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LOS ANGELES (AP) — An 11-month walkout by video game actorscould officially conclude this weekIf members approve an agreement that provides wage increases, control over their images, and safeguards regarding artificial intelligence.
The deal feels "like the sudden release of immense pressure," said Sarah Elmaleh, a voice actor and chair of theScreen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists' interactive branch negotiating committee.
Union members must cast their votes on approving the preliminary agreement by 5 p.m. Pacific time on Wednesday.
Voice and physical actors for computer gamesraised concernsthe unchecked application of AI might replace them and jeopardize their creative independence.
It's clearly not yet settled," Elmaleh stated. "But the notion that we're in a phase where we might have finished this feels like a release and a comfort.
Concerns regarding AI are particularly serious in the video game sector, where human actors bring characters to life with unique movements, screams, falls, and story-changing dialogue.
"I hope and I believe that our members, when they reflect on this, will conclude that all the sacrifices and challenges we endured to reach this agreement were worthwhile because we now have the essential components needed to feel assured and continue progressing in this industry," said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the SAG-AFTRA national executive director and lead negotiator.
Take a look at the agreement now being voted on, and what it could signify for the video game industry's future.
What was the progression of the ongoing strike?
Video game actors went on strike in July after almost two years of unsuccessful talks with top game studios, with both parties still divided on rules for AI-generated content.
More than 160 gamessigned temporary agreements that included AI provisions SAG-AFTRA was pursuing, the union stated, enabling certain work to proceed.
The video game sector represents a huge worldwide business, with projections of $187 billion in revenue for 2024, as reported by a game market analyst.Newzoo.
"OD," and "Physint" were two games postponed because of the strike during the filming and casting process, according to video game developer Hideo Kojima.wrote in December. Riot Games, a video game creator,announced that same monthSome new skins in "League of Legends" may need to use existing voice-overs because new content can't be recorded by the actors on strike. Skins are visual items that alter a player's appearance and occasionally include new voice-overs and special lines.
The suggested agreement "builds upon three decades of effective collaboration between the interactive entertainment sector and the union" to provide "historic salary boosts" and "cutting-edge AI clauses," stated Audrey Cooling, a representative from the video game developers participating in the arrangement.
"We are excited about our ongoing collaboration with artists to develop innovative and captivating entertainment options for billions of players globally," Cooling wrote.
Video game actors previously went on strike in October 2016, and a provisional agreement was finally made after 11 months. This strike led to the implementation of a bonus payment system for voice actors and motion capture artists. The deal was approved by 90% of members, with 10% casting their votes.
The proposed contractgains a raise in artist pay of slightly more than 15% after approval and a further 3% increase annually throughout the three-year agreement.
In what ways might the application of AI evolve within video games?
Concerns about AI have become the main focus as industries in multiple sectors strive to keep pace with rapidly advancing technology. It's abattle that Hollywood writers and actors engaged in during the historic film and television strikeswhich caused the industry to halt in 2023.
Over the past few years, it has become clear that we are at a turning point where guidelines for AI need to be established, and if they aren't, the outcomes could be extremely severe," Crabtree-Ireland stated. "I believe this really made the negotiation especially significant for everyone involved.
SAG-AFTRA leaders have billed the challenges surrounding the labor conflict— and artificial intelligence in particular — as a threat to performers. Game voice actors and motion capture artists claim their images and likenesses could be duplicated by AI and utilized without their permission or proper payment.
The suggested agreement outlines specific limitations on the timing and methods by which video game developers can produce digital copies, utilizing artificial intelligence to craft new performances that were not captured by an actor.
Employers are required to get written consent from a performer in order to produce a digital version — this agreement must be given while the performer is alive and remains effective after their death, unless specified otherwise, according to the contract. The time needed to create the digital replica will be paid as if it were actual work time for a new performance.
The contract also mandates that the employer supply the performer with a usage report outlining how the copy was utilized and determines the anticipated payment.
Elmaleh, who has been involved in voice acting since 2010 and missed out on opportunities during the strike, mentioned that achieving these improvements demanded that voice actors approach negotiations with honesty and sincerity.
We discussed extensively the personal aspects, how they influence our displacement as workers and the long-term viability of our careers," Elmaleh stated. "Our work connects with your inner child. It requires a lot of vulnerability and playfulness.
What comes next for the gaming industry?
The proposed deal focuses on consent, payment, and openness, which union representatives claim are essential components for the industry to continue moving forward.
As the agreement is being reviewed by union members, Elmaleh and Crabtree-Ireland stated that additional efforts are required to make sure the terms are as comprehensive as possible.
Although there is an agreement that has been reached now, and we have secured many essential protections and safeguards, the areas we have not yet accomplished will continue to be our focus," Crabtree-Ireland stated. "Each time these contracts come up for renewal is an opportunity for us to make them better.
Elmaleh expressed her hope that both video game companies and performers will soon collaborate to create guidelines for AI as the technology advances — a process she mentioned should begin before the proposed contract is set to expire in October 2028.
Taking the lead in negotiations has been a full-time commitment for Elmaleh, who assumed the position on a voluntary basis. With the efforts slowing, she mentioned she is eager to go back to video game acting in an environment that is more secure for performers.
Voice acting "is essential to who I am. It's why I worked so hard for this opportunity. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't have such a deep passion for my work. I believe it's truly unique and deserves to be protected," she stated.
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