Hollywood Video Game Performers to Strike Over AI Protections

Hollywood's video game performers, represented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), have announced a strike set to begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday. This decision follows the breakdown of negotiations for a new contract with major game studios, primarily over concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI) protections. This marks the second strike for video game voice actors and motion capture performers, as SAG-AFTRA negotiators express disappointment over the lack of agreement on AI regulations. SAG-AFTRA Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez emphasized that the union has exhausted all other options before resorting to a strike. He highlighted that the studios' definitions of "performer" are crucial to the ongoing discussions, particularly regarding how some physical performances may be classified as "data." The union argues that this classification undermines the contributions of performers who create diverse characters in video games. Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the game studios, expressed disappointment at the union's decision to strike, asserting that the companies had offered meaningful AI protections. Cooling stated that the studios are prepared to resume negotiations, indicating that a deal was within reach. However, union member Andi Norris raised concerns that the studios' proposal would leave certain performers, particularly those involved in stunt work and creature performances, unprotected. The ongoing dispute over AI protections echoes broader industry concerns that fueled last year's film and television strikes, which lasted four months. The previous interactive contract, which expired in November 2022, did not address AI but did secure bonus compensation for voice actors and performance capture artists after an extensive strike in 2016.