SAG-AFTRA and Tencent Studio Agree on AI Protections for Games

Landmark AI agreement in gaming industry: Lightspeed L.A., a new game development studio under Tencent’s Lightspeed & Quantum Studio group, has reached an agreement with SAG-AFTRA on AI protections for their upcoming games, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate about AI’s role in creative industries.

Key details of the agreement:

• The deal allows Lightspeed L.A. to hire and utilize union actors for performances in their in-development and future games.
• This agreement permits Lightspeed L.A. to continue working with union actors even if SAG-AFTRA is on strike.
• While specific details are not public, the agreement implements protections that the union had requested regarding the use of AI in video game production.

Context of the SAG-AFTRA strike:

• SAG-AFTRA voted to go on strike just over a month ago, primarily due to concerns over the use of generative AI in video game products.
• The strike aims to address the potential threat of AI replacing work traditionally done by actors in the gaming industry.
• This agreement with Lightspeed L.A. represents a potential model for resolving the broader issues at the heart of the strike.

Implications for the gaming industry:

• The deal could set a precedent for how other game developers and studios approach AI use and actor protections in their productions.
• It demonstrates a willingness from at least one studio to address union concerns about AI, potentially encouraging similar negotiations across the industry.
• The agreement may help alleviate some tensions between actors and game developers as the industry grapples with the integration of AI technology.

Lightspeed L.A.’s current project:

• The studio is working on “Last Sentinel,” a neo-futuristic apocalyptic game set against a backdrop of technology run amok.
• The game was first revealed with a CG trailer at The Game Awards in 2023.
• The AI protection agreement applies to “Last Sentinel” as well as future projects from the studio.

Broader impact on creative industries:

• This agreement could influence discussions about AI use and worker protections in other creative fields, such as film and television.
• It highlights the growing importance of addressing AI-related concerns in collective bargaining agreements across various entertainment sectors.
• The deal may serve as a case study for balancing technological advancement with worker rights and job security in creative industries.

Looking ahead: Balancing innovation and protection: While this agreement marks a positive step in addressing AI-related concerns in the gaming industry, it also raises questions about the long-term implications of AI integration in creative processes and the evolving role of human performers in an increasingly tech-driven landscape.