The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently updated 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 key sticking points:
AI Protection Scope: SAG-AFTRA seeks protection for all past and future work, not just future work as proposed by the industry group.
"Digital Replica" Definition: SAG-AFTRA's definition includes any performance readily identifiable or attributable to a performer, while the industry group's "objectively identifiable" standard is considered too narrow. This also includes the inclusion of "movement" performers in the agreement.
AI Terminology: Disagreements exist on the terms "real-time generation" (SAG-AFTRA) versus "procedural generation" (industry group), impacting the agreement's scope.
Transparency: SAG-AFTRA demands disclosure regarding voice blending with other voices for digital replicas and the use of voice data in real-time chatbots versus scripted dialogue.
Strike Clause: SAG-AFTRA proposes withdrawing consent for digital replica use during strikes, a point of contention with the industry group.
Consent Duration: SAG-AFTRA proposes a five-year consent period with renewal, while the industry group seeks unlimited consent.
Compensation: Significant disagreements remain on minimum compensation for digital replica creation and use, despite tentative agreement on bonus pay calculations.
Employer Bonus Rights: The industry group's proposed bonus rights clause, similar to the SAG-AFTRA TV/Film agreement, is considered too broad by the guild. SAG-AFTRA is open to a revised, more narrowly defined version.
Usage Tracking: SAG-AFTRA advocates for a system to track digital replica usage to ensure fair compensation, a proposal deemed infeasible by the industry group.
Synthetic Performer Definitions: Further clarification is needed on the definition and regulation of "synthetic" performers created entirely through AI.
While tentative agreements have been reached on bonus pay, dispute resolution, minimum compensation aspects, consent requirements, certain disclosures, and more, SAG-AFTRA stresses that a comprehensive agreement is far from finalized. The union expresses concern that the industry group is misrepresenting the progress to members.
SAG-AFTRA's National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, warned members against accepting roles that undermine the strike and lack AI misuse protections. He emphasized that accepting such roles risks exploitation and undermines the efforts of fellow members.
In response, Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game industry bargaining group, stated that their proposal includes over 15% wage increases, enhanced health and safety protections, and industry-leading AI terms. They expressed eagerness to return to the bargaining table.
The eight-month-long strike, initiated due to the AI provisions impasse, is visibly impacting games. Players report unvoiced NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft. League of Legends was previously struck after alleged strike subversion by Riot, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 characters were recast following player concerns. Recently, two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered their replacements through patch notes.
