SAG-AFTRA Deadlocked with Games Industry on AI

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 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, while the bargaining group focuses only on work produced after agreement.
• "Digital Replica" Definition: SAG-AFTRA defines it as any performance readily identifiable to a performer; the bargaining group prefers "objectively identifiable," potentially excluding many performances.
• Movement Performers' Inclusion: SAG-AFTRA seeks to include movement performers in the generative AI agreement.
• "Real-time Generation" Terminology: SAG-AFTRA uses "real-time generation," while the bargaining group proposes "procedural generation," a term with different implications.
• Voice Blending Disclosure: SAG-AFTRA demands disclosure of voice blending with other voices for digital replicas.
• Chatbot Disclosure: SAG-AFTRA requires disclosure of voice use in real-time chatbots versus scripted dialogue.
• Strike-Related Consent: SAG-AFTRA proposes withdrawing consent for digital replica use during strikes; employers want continued use.
• Real-time Generation Consent Duration: SAG-AFTRA proposes five years; the bargaining group seeks unlimited consent.
• Digital Replica Compensation: Significant disagreements remain on minimum compensation, though 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.
• Usage Tracking: SAG-AFTRA wants a system to track digital replica usage for fair compensation; the bargaining group considers this infeasible.
• "Synthetic" Performer Definitions: Disagreements exist on defining and regulating characters created entirely from generative AI.

Despite tentative agreements on bonus pay, dispute resolution, minimum compensation elements, consent requirements, certain disclosures, and more, SAG-AFTRA expresses concern that the bargaining employers are 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.

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. They express eagerness to reach a deal.

The eight-month-long SAG-AFTRA video game strike, stemming from AI provisions, is visibly impacting games. Players report unvoiced NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft. Voice actors have been replaced in League of Legends and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and recently in Zenless Zone Zero.