SAG-AFTRA, Games Industry Still Divided on AI Terms

SAG-AFTRA has provided members with an updated negotiation report regarding AI protections for video game performers, revealing that while discussions have progressed, significant gaps remain between the actors' union and industry representatives on critical issues.

The union distributed a comparative chart outlining key differences between its proposals and those presented by the gaming industry's bargaining group, which includes most major AAA publishers. Current unresolved matters include:

• Extending AI protection coverage to all past performances rather than just future work under new contracts
• Disagreements over defining "digital replica" - with the union seeking "readily identifiable" standards versus industry's preference for "objectively identifiable" criteria
• Inclusion of motion capture performers under generative AI protections
• Terminology conflicts regarding AI-generated performances ("real-time generation" vs "procedural generation")
• Disclosure requirements when blending voice performances or implementing chatbot functionality
• Digital replica usage during strikes (union demands withdrawal of consent)
• Duration of AI voice consent periods (5-year limit vs unlimited usage proposed by publishers)
• Payment structures for digital replica creation and implementation
• Monitoring systems to track AI usage (union requirement vs industry resistance)
• Regulatory definitions for completely synthetic AI-generated characters

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland cautioned members in an official statement:

"With production pipelines slowing due to our members' solidarity, employers are increasingly seeking alternative performers who lack union protections. We strongly advise against accepting such roles, as this undermines collective bargaining efforts and exposes performers to potential AI exploitation."

Industry spokesperson Audrey Cooling responded:

"Our proposal delivers significant wage increases exceeding 15%, improved safety measures, and industry-leading AI terms. We remain committed to reaching an agreement through continued negotiation."

The eight-month strike, primarily focused on AI protections despite agreement on 24 other contract items, is now demonstrating tangible industry impacts. Recent examples include:

• Notable unvoiced NPCs in Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft updates
• Riot Games' League of Legends casting changes following strike action
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 recasting announcements
• Zenless Zone Zero performers discovering role replacements through patch notes

This ongoing labor dispute continues to reshape voice acting practices across the games industry as both sides maintain their positions on AI-related protections.