Beyond the Controller: AI Agreement Sets New Standard for Video Game Performers

After a fierce month of striking, video game performers have emerged with a major victory. The union behind it all, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, has secured deals with 80 video games, including crucial AI protections and better working conditions for performers.

SAG-AFTRA Reaches Major Agreement with 80 Games Amid Strike

The strike started in July when negotiations about protections over AI broke down. SAG-AFTRA were worried that AI could replicate the likenesses of game voice actors and motion capture artists without seeking prior consent, and worse, without fair compensation.

Historic AI Treaty to be Signed Along with Game Industry Agreements

On Thursday, SAG-AFTRA announced it had reached agreements with 80 individual video games, and work on those projects by affected performers may resume. The strike remains in effect against major publishers, including Disney, Warner Bros. Game Companies, and Electronic Arts Productions Inc.

Stronger Safeguards and Better Wages: What New Deals Have Achieved

The new contracts protect big wins, such as improved wages, protections from "exploitative uses" of AI, and protections for vocal and physical health. The tiered budget agreement allows smaller developers to be able to work with union talent, knowing their rights and protections are feasible.

Lightspeed L.A. Jumps into the Fray: Signing On to Union Talent

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and chief negotiator, emphasized the significance of these agreements: “These agreements demonstrate that the demands for AI protections are both reasonable and essential for the industry. Companies agreeing to these terms prove that fair and sustainable practices are achievable.”

Industry Impact: The Larger Ramifications of the Strike Settlement

This resolution marks not only a huge victory for performers but also constitutes an actual change in industry practices in AI and digital rights. Lightspeed L.A.-of hit game "Last Sentinel" fame-is committed to producing current and future titles under this new interim agreement and, in so doing, demonstrates in concrete ways what these protections will look and feel like.

This strike serves as another reminder that much remains to be done on the path to rectitude in AI and Digital Media. With continuing negotiations with other major publishers, there is much scrutiny in ensuring a level playing field for this ever-changing industry.

In a related development, the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom are going to sign on September 5 the ground-breaking Council of Europe's AI convention in Vilnius. This would be the first such treaty with a legally binding international framework for setting AI standards about human rights and democratic values. Read more