The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in production is the biggest hurdle between SAG-AFTRA and the largest game developers.
The short version
- SAG-AFTRA may go on strike over conflict over artificial intelligence (AI) in game production.
- The strike could become a reality in 4-6 weeks, according to union leader Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
- The essence of the dispute is consent and compensation for the use of artificial intelligence in the work of actors. Affected game makers include Activision, Electronic Arts (EA), Epic Games, Take Two, and WB Games.
- The agreement between Hollywood representatives and SAG-AFTRA last year protects members from artificial intelligence in the context of unauthorized use of images.
– We will not go on strike. But we will not enter into an agreement that does not protect our members from being abused and exploited by AI.
Union leader Duncan Crabtree-Ireland made the remarks during a panel discussion on artificial intelligence at the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, Texas.
Crabtree-Ireland is a negotiator for the Actors Guild, which represents the human talent that brings video games to life. This means, among other things, the voices of the characters.
He added: “We will likely go on strike during the next four to six weeks due to our inability to overcome these issues.” diverse.
SAG-AFTRA negotiator
In September, the union voted yes to a potential strike against the largest video game manufacturers.
The list includes, among others, Activision, now owned by Microsoft, Electronic Arts (EA), Epic Games, Take Two, and WB Games.
These companies are behind many of the world's biggest games, such as Call of Duty, FIFA, and Fortnite.
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The union summit acknowledged that there are strong opinions and divisions among SAG-AFTRA's 100,000-plus members about how to approach AI and generative AI tools.
According to Variety, some members have tried to promote a complete ban on the use of AI.
We would not have succeeded, and no labor union in history has been able to stop technology. Unions that attempt this approach fail, forgoing the opportunity to influence how these technologies are implemented. “The reality is that we are going to have artificial intelligence,” Crabtree-Ireland said.
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He stresses that for SAG-AFTRA, negotiations with producers are about consent and compensation when using AI in their work.
– We want to focus on improvements, and not replace people.
AI was also a big issue when Hollywood actors went on strike at SAG-AFTRA last year. The agreement they eventually agreed upon protects guild members from unauthorized use of AI-generated images.
This was a key point for the actors, who feared they could be replaced by digital doppelgangers.
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