SAG-AFTRA Highlights Major AI Concerns in Proposals from Leading Sports Studios
The performing union SAG-AFTRA is asserting that discussions with major video game studios remain at a standstill due to “concerning loopholes” in suggestions that could potentially expose members to AI exploitation.
SAG-AFTRA initiated a strike in July 2024 to secure enhanced provisions and safeguards for its members working in the gaming industry. The union made it clear that it aims to implement “essential AI safeguards” for performers engaged under the terms of the Interactive Media Agreement.
The strike was declared after 18 months of discussions involving a negotiating team that includes major studios like Take Two Productions, EA, Activision, and WB Games.
Although the union has achieved some successes through tiered-pay systems or temporary agreements currently in effect across 80 projects, the organization has indicated that a permanent resolution is still out of reach.
“While advancement has been made and agreements on certain terms have been reached since we initiated our strike last year, the latest proposal from the negotiating team is still riddled with alarming loopholes that could leave our members susceptible to AI exploitation,” reads an update sent to SAG-AFTRA members on March 11.
“The union has recently proposed a counter to this offer that carefully addresses all the loopholes and would lead to a contract that provides the essential protections our members require to maintain sustainable careers as video game actors.”
SAG-AFTRA encourages voice actors to hold their ground with employers ‘feeling the pressure’
SAG-AFTRA claims the negotiating team is delaying progress in hopes that union members may turn against one another, continually proposing terms that could allow major companies to sidestep AI protections without needing to engage voice actors.
“They intend to utilize all past performances and any performance they can procure from outside the agreement without any of the protections being negotiated. You wouldn’t be informed about your likeness being utilized, received nothing regarding payment, and would have no recourse,” the update continues.
“They want the ability to keep your likeness performing as you, during a future strike, regardless of your consent. And once you’ve granted usage of your likeness, they refuse to disclose how it has been utilized.”
SAG-AFTRA has emphasized that both parties remain “frustratingly far apart,” but notes that employers are beginning to “feel the pressure.”
“With their previously signed projects slowly moving through the production process, employers are experiencing the impact of the strike, as SAG-AFTRA members involved in video games continue to unite and refuse to work without sufficient protections,” stated the union.
“This is causing employers to seek out other performers they can exploit to fill those roles, including individuals who do not typically work in video games. If you are approached for such a role, we encourage you to seriously consider the implications.
“Not only would you undermine the efforts of your fellow members, but you could also potentially put yourself at risk by working without safeguards against AI misuse. And ‘AI misuse’ is simply a polite way of saying these companies are looking to use your performance to replace you—without consent or compensation.”
SAG-AFTRA has released a comparison chart of AI proposals to highlight the differences between the proposals put forth by the negotiating team and its own terms. The union will persist in striking and is organizing another demonstration at Disney Character Voices in Burbank on March 18.