The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has updated its members on video game actor AI protection negotiations. While some progress has been made, significant disagreements remain with the industry bargaining group. A comparison chart highlights these key sticking points:
AI Protection Scope: SAG-AFTRA seeks protection for all past and future work, while the bargaining group focuses only on work produced after agreement.
"Digital Replica" Definition: SAG-AFTRA's definition includes performances "readily identifiable or attributable" to a performer, broader than the bargaining group's "objectively identifiable," which SAG-AFTRA argues is too restrictive.
Movement Performer Inclusion: SAG-AFTRA seeks to include movement performers in the generative AI agreement, a point of contention with the bargaining group.
Terminology: Disagreements exist on terminology, with SAG-AFTRA preferring "real-time generation" for AI-created performances, versus the bargaining group's "procedural generation."
Transparency: SAG-AFTRA demands disclosure regarding voice blending with other voices for digital replicas and the use of voice for real-time chatbots versus scripted dialogue.
Strike Clause: SAG-AFTRA proposes withdrawing consent for digital replica use during strikes, unlike the bargaining group's desire to continue usage.
Consent Duration: SAG-AFTRA proposes a five-year consent period with renewal, while the bargaining group seeks unlimited consent.
Compensation: Significant disagreements remain on minimum compensation for digital replica creation and use, although tentative agreement exists on bonus pay calculation.
Employer Bonus Rights: The bargaining group's proposed bonus rights clause, similar to the SAG-AFTRA TV/Film agreement, is deemed too broad by SAG-AFTRA, potentially circumventing union rights.
Usage Tracking: SAG-AFTRA wants a system to track digital replica usage for fair compensation, which the bargaining group considers unfeasible.
Synthetic Performer Definition: Clear definitions and regulations for "synthetic" performers created entirely by AI are needed.
Despite tentative agreements on bonus pay, dispute resolution, minimum compensation aspects, consent requirements, certain disclosures, and more, SAG-AFTRA expresses concern that the bargaining group is misrepresenting the progress. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland warns members against undermining the strike by accepting work without adequate AI protections, emphasizing the risk of exploitation.
Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game industry bargaining group, counters that their proposal includes over 15% wage increases, enhanced health and safety protections, and industry-leading AI terms, expressing eagerness to reach a deal.
The eight-month-long SAG-AFTRA video game strike, stemming from AI provisions, is visibly impacting the industry. Players report unvoiced NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft. League of Legends experienced a strike-related incident, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 character recasting followed player concerns. Recently, two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered their replacement via patch notes.
