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 limits it to work produced after agreement.
• "Digital Replica" Definition: SAG-AFTRA defines it as any performance readily identifiable to a performer, whereas the bargaining group uses "objectively identifiable," potentially excluding many performances.
• Movement Performer Inclusion: SAG-AFTRA wants movement performers included in the generative AI agreement.
• Terminology: Disagreement on terminology for AI-generated performances ("real-time generation" vs. "procedural generation").
• Voice Use Disclosure: SAG-AFTRA demands disclosure of voice blending with other voices and use in real-time chatbots versus scripted dialogue.
• Strike Clause: SAG-AFTRA's proposal withdraws consent for digital replica use during strikes; the bargaining group wants continued use.
• Consent Duration: SAG-AFTRA proposes five-year renewable consent; the bargaining group seeks unlimited consent.
• Compensation: Significant disagreements on minimum pay for digital replica creation and use, despite tentative agreement on bonus pay calculation.
• Employer Bonus Rights: The bargaining group's proposal, similar to the SAG-AFTRA TV/Film agreement, grants employers bonus rights with premium pay. SAG-AFTRA considers it too broad and potentially circumventing union rights.
• Usage Tracking: SAG-AFTRA wants a system to track digital replica use for appropriate compensation; the bargaining group deems it infeasible.
• Synthetic Performer Definition: Disagreements on defining and regulating "synthetic" performers created 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 that employers are feeling pressure from the strike and may seek to exploit non-union performers, urging members to resist such offers.

Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game industry bargaining group, counters that they've proposed a deal with over 15% wage increases, enhanced health and safety protections, industry-leading AI terms, and additional compensation for performance use in other games. They express eagerness to return to the bargaining table.

The eight-month-long SAG-AFTRA video game strike, stemming from the AI disagreement, is visibly impacting games. Players report unvoiced NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft. League of Legends was struck after alleged strike subversion, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 characters were recast. Recently, two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered their replacement via patch notes.