SAG-AFTRA is taking a significant step to bolster the creative endeavors of student game developers during its ongoing strike, introducing new waivers that permit union actors to engage in student projects and game jams. This initiative, unveiled on Friday, includes the Student Interactive Waiver Agreement and the Game Jam Waiver Agreement, both designed to facilitate participation without violating strike protocols.
Supporting Emerging Talent
The union’s press release emphasized the enthusiasm of its members for the gaming industry, stating, “Our members are passionate about this industry and they want to be able to participate in these types of projects where the future of video games is being shaped.” The waivers are structured to ensure that both actors and game developers benefit, fostering a collaborative environment that nurtures early-career talent.
As of March 26, SAG-AFTRA has been on strike for eight months, a prolonged period that has halted new projects with major game studios. This situation has created a pressing need for opportunities that allow actors to work without contravening strike rules. The introduction of these waivers not only provides a lifeline for actors but also supports the aspirations of burgeoning game developers.
The AI Dilemma
The protracted nature of the SAG-AFTRA strike can largely be attributed to concerns surrounding artificial intelligence. Video game actors are advocating for safeguards against AI, which poses an increasing threat to their careers and the integrity of the gaming landscape. Earlier this month, Ashley Burch, known for her role in Horizon Zero Dawn, voiced her concerns after a demo clip surfaced, showcasing an AI-generated version of her character. Her remarks encapsulated the crux of the issue: it is not the technology itself that raises alarms, but rather the absence of protections against its potential misuse.
Burch articulated her apprehensions, stating, “I feel worried not because the technology exists, not even because game companies want to use it. Of course they do; they always want to use technological advancements. I just imagine a video like this coming out that does have someone’s performance attached to it.” She highlighted the dire implications for actors if they lose the fight for protections, lamenting the absence of recourse in the face of unauthorized use of their likenesses.
Industry Impact
The ongoing strike is beginning to affect game studios as well. Reports indicate that titles like League of Legends are resorting to recycling old voiceover clips, while a recent episode of Destiny 2 launched in February was notably devoid of new voiceover lines. As the strike continues, the ripple effects are felt throughout the industry, underscoring the critical nature of the negotiations at hand.
