SAG-AFTRA Says It's Still 'Frustratingly Far Apart' From Games Industry Bargaining Group on AI Protections

The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently updated 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 ratification.

• "Digital Replica" Definition: SAG-AFTRA defines it as any readily identifiable performance, whereas the bargaining group uses "objectively identifiable," potentially excluding many performances.

• Inclusion of Movement Performers: SAG-AFTRA includes movement performers in the AI agreement; the bargaining group does not.

• Terminology: Disagreements exist on terminology like "real-time generation" (SAG-AFTRA's preference) versus "procedural generation" (bargaining group's proposal).

• Transparency: SAG-AFTRA demands disclosure of voice blending and chatbot use; the bargaining group opposes this.

• Strike Clause: SAG-AFTRA proposes withdrawing 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 remain on minimum pay 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 considered too broad by SAG-AFTRA.

• Usage Tracking: SAG-AFTRA wants a system to track digital replica use for fair compensation; the bargaining group deems this infeasible.

• Synthetic Performer Definition: Disagreements exist on defining and regulating "synthetic" performers created entirely by AI.

While tentative agreements exist on bonus pay, dispute resolution, some compensation aspects, consent requirements, and certain disclosures, 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 that companies aim to replace actors without consent or compensation.

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 express a desire to return to the bargaining table.

The eight-month-long strike, focused on 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 cancellation, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 characters were recast. Recently, two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered their replacements via patch notes.