UK game developers support US strike over AI concerns

Video game voice actors strike impacts UK industry: The ongoing strike by SAG-Aftra union members in the US has ripple effects on the UK video game voice acting community, highlighting global industry concerns.

• SAG-Aftra union voice actors have been on strike since July, refusing to work with major companies like Activision, Disney, Warner Bros, and EA over issues including the use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI).
• Negotiations between the union and game companies have been extended without a major breakthrough, causing slowdowns in the voiceover industry.
• The strike has affected the release of English-language voice acting for some games, such as the latest story update for Genshin Impact.

UK actors express solidarity and frustration: While unable to strike themselves, UK-based voice actors support their US counterparts and hope for positive industry-wide changes.

• Doug Cockle, known for his role as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher series, believes the strike could establish a template for other creative industries worldwide.
• Harry McEntire, who voiced Noah in Xenoblade Chronicles 3, expresses frustration at the inability of UK actors to strike in solidarity due to lack of legal support.
• Alex Jordan, part of the Cyberpunk 2077 games, is avoiding promotional activities for a new game in solidarity with striking US colleagues.

Generative AI at the heart of the dispute: The use of Gen AI in video game voice acting is a central issue in the ongoing negotiations, raising concerns about the future of human creativity in the industry.

• Gen AI systems, trained on existing material including actors’ performances, are seen by some studios as a way to cut costs in an industry facing economic challenges.
• Voice actors worry that the widespread adoption of Gen AI could lead to fewer opportunities for human performers and potentially stifle creativity in the long term.
• Harry McEntire questions the use of AI for creative purposes, emphasizing the importance of human inspiration and collective energy in the creative process.

Industry response and negotiations: Game companies involved in the negotiations claim to be working towards reasonable terms that protect performers’ rights while allowing for technological advancements.

• The companies state that their AI protection offers are consistent with or better than other entertainment industry agreements.
• Negotiations continue as both sides seek to find a balance between technological innovation and protecting the livelihoods of voice actors.

The human element in video game voice acting: Despite concerns about AI, voice actors emphasize the irreplaceable value of human interaction and passion in their work.

• At events like London’s Comic Con, voice actors engage directly with fans, showcasing the human connection that AI cannot replicate.
• Alex Jordan highlights that AI will never be able to interact with the community or share genuine passion for the work on a human level.

Broader implications for the creative industries: The outcome of this strike could set important precedents for how AI is integrated into creative fields beyond video games.

• The resolution of this dispute may influence how other entertainment sectors approach the use of AI in content creation.
• As the US often leads in setting industry standards, the results of this strike could have global implications for voice actors and other creative professionals.