The video game industry is currently witnessing significant upheaval as the performers' union, SAG-AFTRA, returns to the negotiating table with major gaming companies. After a strike that began in July over crucial issues like artificial intelligence protections, both parties are poised to resume discussions on October 23. The stakes are high as approximately 2,600 voice-over and motion-capture performers have halted work, demanding fair treatment and safeguards against the misuse of their likenesses and voices.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, SAG-AFTRA and the game developers acknowledged their commitment to resume negotiations. Companies such as Activision Productions, Electronic Arts, and Disney Character Voices are among those expected to participate in these critical talks. With the previous contracts having expired in November 2022, the urgency to address the concerns of the performers has never been more pressing.
As the gaming landscape evolves, so too must the agreements that govern the rights and protections of those who bring these virtual characters to life. The outcomes of these negotiations could reshape the future of the industry, particularly in how technology like AI is integrated into the creative process. The attention on this issue highlights the need for robust protections for performers in an increasingly digital world.
Performers union SAG-AFTRA and the major gaming companies are returning to the bargaining table for the first time since video game actors went on strike in July.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the game developers released a joint statement on Tuesday announcing that the parties are set to resume negotiations on Oct. 23.
The companies represented in the bargaining room will include Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Llama Productions LLC, Take 2 Productions Inc. and WB Games Inc.
Roughly 2,600 performers doing voice-over and motion-capture work in the video game industry have been on strike since contract negotiations broke down over artificial intelligence protections.
The actors are seeking a contract that would require game developers to notify them, inform them about how their work will be used and obtain their consent before replicating their voices or likenesses with AI.
Not all games are subject to the walkout, but SAG-AFTRA expanded the scope of the work stoppage last month to include “League of Legends
