SAG-AFTRA Says It's Still 'Frustratingly Far Apart' From Games Industry Bargaining Group on AI Protections

The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently updated its members on the ongoing negotiations regarding AI protections for video game actors. While some progress has been made, significant disagreements remain with the industry bargaining group, leaving negotiations "frustratingly far apart" on key issues.

A comparison chart highlights these sticking points: SAG-AFTRA seeks comprehensive protection against digital replica or generative AI use for all past and future work, not just work created after a potential agreement. The definition of "digital replica" is also contested. SAG-AFTRA's definition encompasses any performance, vocal or movement, readily identifiable or attributable to a performer, while the bargaining group prefers "objectively identifiable," a term SAG-AFTRA argues is too restrictive. The inclusion of "movement" performers in the AI agreement, the appropriate terminology for AI-generated performances ("real-time generation" vs. "procedural generation"), and employer disclosure regarding voice blending and chatbot applications are also unresolved. Furthermore, disagreements persist on consent withdrawal during strikes, the duration of consent for real-time generation (SAG-AFTRA proposes five years, the bargaining group seeks unlimited consent), minimum compensation for digital replica creation and use, and a proposed employer bonus system that SAG-AFTRA believes could circumvent union rights. Finally, SAG-AFTRA's push for a system to track digital replica usage for proper compensation is opposed by the bargaining group as infeasible. While tentative agreements have been reached on bonus pay calculations, dispute resolution, some minimum compensation aspects, consent requirements, and certain disclosures, SAG-AFTRA emphasizes that a comprehensive deal is far from finalized.

SAG-AFTRA's national executive director and chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, expressed concern that the bargaining employers are misleading members into believing a deal is imminent. He urged members to resist any attempts to undermine the strike by accepting work without adequate AI protections, warning against the exploitation of performers and the risk of their performances being used to replace them without consent or compensation.

In response, Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game industry bargaining group, stated that they've proposed a deal including wage increases exceeding 15%, enhanced health and safety protections, industry-leading AI digital replica terms, and additional compensation for performance use in other games. They claim meaningful progress has been made and express eagerness to return to the bargaining table.

The eight-month-long SAG-AFTRA video game strike, initiated due to the lack of AI agreement, is visibly impacting the industry. Players have reported unvoiced NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft. Following alleged strike subversion attempts, League of Legends experienced a strike and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 characters were recast. Recently, two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered their replacement via patch notes. The ongoing dispute highlights the significant challenges in balancing creative innovation with fair compensation and protection for performers in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in video games.