The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has updated its members on video game actor AI protection negotiations. While progress has been made, significant disagreements remain with the industry bargaining group.
A comparison chart highlights key sticking points:
- AI Protection Scope: SAG-AFTRA seeks protection for all past and future work, while the bargaining group focuses only on future work.
- "Digital Replica" Definition: SAG-AFTRA's definition, encompassing readily identifiable performances, is broader than the bargaining group's "objectively identifiable" proposal.
- "Movement" Performers: The bargaining group hasn't included movement performers in its generative AI agreement, a key point for SAG-AFTRA.
- Terminology: Disagreements exist over terminology like "real-time generation" versus "procedural generation."
- Transparency: SAG-AFTRA demands disclosure regarding voice blending and chatbot use; the bargaining group hasn't agreed.
- Strike Clause: SAG-AFTRA's proposal withdraws consent for digital replica use during strikes, unlike the bargaining group's position.
- Consent Duration: SAG-AFTRA proposes a five-year renewable consent period, while the bargaining group seeks unlimited consent.
- Compensation: Significant disagreements remain on minimum compensation for digital replica creation and use, though tentative agreement exists on bonus pay calculation.
- Employer Bonus Rights: The bargaining group's proposed bonus rights clause, similar to the SAG-AFTRA TV/Film agreement, is considered too broad by SAG-AFTRA.
- Usage Tracking: SAG-AFTRA wants a system to track digital replica usage for fair compensation; the bargaining group finds this infeasible.
- "Synthetic" Performer Definition: Clear definitions around synthetic performers created entirely from AI are lacking.
Despite tentative agreements on bonus pay, dispute resolution, and other aspects, SAG-AFTRA expresses concern that the bargaining group is misrepresenting the progress. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland warns members against undermining the strike by accepting work without adequate AI protections.
Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game industry bargaining group, counters that their proposal includes over 15% wage increases, enhanced health and safety protections, and industry-leading AI terms. They express eagerness to reach a deal.
The eight-month-long strike, primarily focused on AI provisions, is visibly impacting games. Players report unvoiced NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft. League of Legends experienced a strike-related incident, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 character recasting followed player concerns. Recently, Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered their replacements through patch notes.
