By Danielle Broadway
SAN DIEGO, July 27 – The ongoing struggle between video game actors and major industry players has reached a critical point, as SAG-AFTRA has officially called a strike after 18 months of negotiations. The union’s decision comes in the wake of unresolved issues surrounding artificial intelligence and its implications for performers in the video game sector.
The strike commenced on Friday, coinciding with the bustling San Diego Comic-Con, where SAG-AFTRA took the opportunity to address the pressing concerns of its members. During a press conference, Ray Rodriguez, the Chief Contracts Officer of SAG-AFTRA, emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of performers. He stated, “All performers who work under our agreement are delivering performances that deserve to be protected. Their likeness deserves to be protected. Their voice deserves to be protected. Their movement and their performance deserves to be protected. It belongs to them.”
Rodriguez elaborated on the union’s stance against the unethical use of artificial intelligence, which he believes threatens the very essence of a performer’s career. The union’s demands center around three key principles: informed consent, compensation, and transparency. Rodriguez stressed that these protections must extend to all performers, including stunt and motion capture artists, rather than just a select group.
The decision to strike was not taken lightly. Rodriguez explained that after extensive negotiations, the union felt they had exhausted all options for a peaceful resolution. “Nobody ever wants to go on strike. So that’s why we spent 18 months not trying to go on strike, and it just didn’t work,” he said.
Comic-Con, while exempt from the strike rules, provided a unique platform for the union to communicate its message to a broader audience. Rodriguez noted that it was crucial to engage with fans who care about video games at this pivotal moment. “It’s an opportunity for us to talk to people who care about video games right as we are going on strike,” he said.
The union’s concerns are not isolated to the video game industry; they reflect a larger conversation about the ethical use of artificial intelligence across various sectors. Rodriguez pointed out that the market will ultimately respond to companies that engage in unethical practices. “I think that the market is ultimately going to punish producers who are unethical in their use of artificial intelligence,” he stated.
As the strike unfolds, major video game companies continue to hold their panels at Comic-Con, showcasing their upcoming projects. Notably, EA Games announced the voice cast for the next installment of the “Dragon Age” franchise just before the strike began. This juxtaposition highlights the ongoing tension between the creative community and corporate interests.
The union’s efforts to secure a fair agreement are underscored by the rising interest in video game adaptations in film and television. Rodriguez expressed hope that this trend could amplify the visibility of the strike among audiences who may not be familiar with the intricacies of video game voice acting. “One of the biggest advantages we have going for us in the context of this strike is the fact that artificial intelligence is an issue that cuts across not only our industry, but every industry,” he said.
As the situation develops, the union remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the rights of all performers. The outcome of this strike could have significant implications for the future of the video game industry and the role of artificial intelligence within it.
Source: Reuters
