Video game actors strike after failing to reach agreement with game companies on AI terms, highlighting the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry.
Key issues in dispute: SAG-AFTRA and video game companies could not agree on terms related to the use of artificial intelligence in games, leading to the strike:
- The union is demanding that actors give consent and be compensated when AI is used to replicate their voices or likenesses in games.
- Other points of contention include wage increases, additional rest time, and set medics for hazardous jobs.
A closer look at the strike’s potential impact: The walkout could disrupt video game production schedules and delay releases, especially for games slated for 2025 or 2026:
- Game companies operate on tight timelines and budgets, so prolonged delays could be financially damaging, particularly if games miss the crucial holiday sales season.
- However, some games already in production when the strike was announced may be exempt from the work stoppage.
Historical context and next steps: This strike comes after nearly a year of unsuccessful negotiations and echoes a previous 2016-2017 walkout:
- In September 2023, 98% of SAG-AFTRA members authorized a potential strike, signaling strong support for the union’s bargaining position.
- The last video game actors’ strike lasted 11 months, but AI wasn’t a major concern at the time; instead, the dispute centered on residual-like payments based on game sales.
- Experts predict the strike could last until September or potentially the end of the year as companies seek to resolve the issues before their next earnings reports.
Broader implications for the industry: The strike underscores the growing need for the entertainment industry to grapple with the disruptive impact of AI on jobs and compensation:
- As AI becomes more sophisticated and prevalent in gaming, film, and television, unions are pushing for stronger protections and compensation for performers whose work could be replicated or replaced by the technology.
- The outcome of this strike could set important precedents for how AI is regulated and how talent is compensated in the entertainment industry going forward, making it a closely watched development for all stakeholders.
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