### Video Game Industry Faces Strike Over AI Concerns
#### Performers Walk Off the Job
Actors in the video game industry are striking. On Thursday, the union representing voice and motion-capture performers announced they would stop working after talks with major video game companies failed over AI protection concerns. The strike is set to begin Friday.
“We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members,”
Fran Drescher, the president of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which represents the performers, said in a prepared statement. “Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live—and work—with, we will be here, ready to negotiate.”
#### Impact on Events and Negotiations
Several members of SAG-AFTRA are currently at Comic-Con, affecting the number of performers able to participate in the event. Tensions over AI between SAG members and major video game companies have been high for months. Negotiations began in earnest in October 2022. Despite success on other points, video game companies and SAG have been unable to find common ground on AI.
#### Companies’ Response
“We are disappointed the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to a deal, and we remain prepared to resume negotiations,”
Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game companies involved in the negotiations, said in a statement to WIRED. That group includes companies such as Activision, Disney, Electronic Arts, Insomniac Games, Take-Two, and Warner Bros., among others.
“We have already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions,”
Cooling said. “Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the IMA. These terms are among the strongest in the entertainment industry.”
6 Comments
Has anyone considered that AI might actually make gaming better?
The industry evolves and people are scared; what’s new?
Provocative: Do we really need actors when AI can do it better?
Future of gaming at risk or just overreacting?
Rob: Strikes again, but will it change anything in an AI-driven future?
Canyond: Are we overestimating AI or underestimating human talent?