The ongoing negotiations between the SAG-AFTRA union and game publishers regarding the use of artificial intelligence in acting continue to present significant challenges. In a recent statement posted on its website, SAG-AFTRA acknowledged that while some progress has been made and certain provisions have been tentatively agreed upon, the union remains “frustratingly far apart” from reaching a comprehensive agreement on AI-related issues. This impasse has persisted since SAG-AFTRA members in the gaming industry initiated a strike in July 2024.
Core Issues at Stake
At the heart of the negotiations lies a contentious debate over AI’s role in the industry. Some game publishers are advocating for the ability to create digital replicas of actors’ voices for future use without their consent. This raises significant concerns among performers regarding their rights and the potential exploitation of their likenesses.
SAG-AFTRA has expressed strong opposition to these proposals, stating, “The bargaining group would have you believe that we are close to reaching a deal. This is not the case.” The union has urged its members to remain united and informed, encouraging them to review an updated comparison chart detailing the AI proposals to understand the substantial gaps that still exist in securing fundamental protections for all performers.
- Publishers seek to utilize past performances and any external performances without appropriate contractual protections.
- Actors could be unaware of how their digital replicas are being used, with no compensation or recourse available.
- There is a risk that replicas could be employed during strikes, regardless of the performers’ wishes.
- Publishers have been reticent about disclosing the specific uses of replicas once consent has been granted.
Despite these hurdles in negotiations with the primary bargaining group, SAG-AFTRA has reported notable successes with other employers. To date, over 160 games have signed interim and independent agreements, which have yielded earnings surpassing those of non-struck games. These agreements include the protections that SAG-AFTRA has been advocating for, demonstrating that such terms are not only feasible but also acceptable to a wide range of game companies, regardless of their size.
