- Video game actors from SAG-AFTRA are now on a strike against the industry.
- The union seeks protection of its workers against the use of artificial intelligence.
- If the strike goes on too long, it could lead to major delays for multiple big projects.
Last year, rumors quickly spread about a potential SAG-AFTRA strike over job security and the use of artificial intelligence in the gaming industry. While nothing happened after the threats, SAG-AFTRA has returned nearly a year later.
The union has initiated a strike this time. According to SAG-AFTRA, negotiations have been underway with gaming companions for over a year to no avail. Following the aftermath, a large number of gaming actors are going on strike.
Why it matters: The same union previously took a similar move for the film and television industry. This led to several projects being delayed by up to a year or more, so the same is likely to happen in the gaming industry if the strike proceeds.
The strike went live on July 26 and is related to the rise of artificial intelligence in gaming.
Recent reports confirmed that Activision sold AI-generated cosmetics in Call of Duty. Similarly, games like Naruto Storm Connections reportedly replaced snippets of voice acting with AI.
SAG-AFTRA wants to guarantee the protection of its voice actors from artificial intelligence. It also listed a number of companies that the decision will impact, including Take-Two, Activision, Electronic Arts, and more.
Since Take-Two is being impacted, this could delay GTA 6, which is currently slated for 2025. While Strauss Zelnick previously claimed that Rockstar would be safe from such a strike, reports state GTA 6 is indeed being impacted.
Even if this game remains unimpacted, titles in early production will suffer since the union won’t allow voice actors to perform motion capture and voiceover work.
We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members.
-SAG-AFTRA President
Following SAG-AFTRA’s stance, the strike is expected to last until a sold agreement is reached. However, this may not happen anytime soon since the strike last year lasted multiple months.
While SAG-AFTRA’s decision may cause setbacks for various in-development projects, it could lead to positive impacts overall.
Nearly every major studio is looking to use artificial intelligence in the future. As such, an agreement that guarantees safety and protection for the talented professionals of this industry is needed sooner rather than later.
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[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
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