SAG-AFTRA Deadlocked with Games Industry on AI

The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has 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, not just future work as the industry group proposes.

• "Digital Replica" Definition: SAG-AFTRA's definition, encompassing readily identifiable performances, is broader than the industry's "objectively identifiable" proposal, which SAG-AFTRA argues is too restrictive. The inclusion of "movement" performers in the agreement is also contested.

• Generative AI Terminology: The industry's use of "procedural generation" differs from SAG-AFTRA's preferred "real-time generation," impacting the agreement's scope.

• Transparency Regarding AI Use: Disagreements exist on whether employers must disclose voice blending with other voices for digital replicas and the use of voices in real-time chatbots versus scripted dialogue.

• Strike-Related Consent: SAG-AFTRA's proposal withdraws consent for digital replica use during strikes, unlike the industry's stance.

• Consent Duration: SAG-AFTRA proposes a five-year renewable consent period, contrasting with the industry's request for unlimited consent.

• Compensation: Significant disagreements persist on minimum compensation for digital replica creation and use, although tentative agreement on bonus pay calculations exists.

• Employer Bonus Rights: The industry's proposed bonus rights mirroring the SAG-AFTRA TV/Film agreement are deemed too broad by SAG-AFTRA, potentially circumventing union rights. SAG-AFTRA is open to a revised, stricter version.

• Usage Tracking: SAG-AFTRA advocates for a system to track digital replica usage to ensure fair compensation, a proposal the industry considers infeasible.

• Synthetic Performer Definitions: Specific definitions and regulations surrounding "synthetic" performers created entirely by AI remain unresolved.

Despite these disagreements, tentative agreements have been reached on bonus pay, dispute resolution, some minimum compensation aspects, consent requirements, certain disclosures, and other issues. However, SAG-AFTRA disputes the industry's portrayal of a near-deal, expressing concern about misleading member communication. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland cautioned members against undermining the strike by accepting work without adequate AI protections.

Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game industry bargaining group, countered with a statement highlighting proposed wage increases, enhanced health and safety protections, and industry-leading AI terms. They expressed eagerness to return to the bargaining table.

The eight-month-long SAG-AFTRA video game strike, stemming from AI protection disagreements, is visibly impacting the industry. Players report unvoiced NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft, voice actor replacements in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Zenless Zone Zero, and the cancellation of a League of Legends game.