The fight between SAG-AFTRA and gaming companies over the use of AI continues: what conclusion have the two sides reached?
SAG-AFTRA, a trade union representing more than 160,000 actors, has published a detailed response to the proposals of gaming companies regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in video games. The union expressed a number of comments, especially regarding the protection of actors' rights and the conditions for the use of their digital "replicas".
Here's What We Know
In its publication, SAG-AFTRA criticised the employers' proposals, which provided for the protection of rights only for new recordings, leaving all previous works and materials taken outside the current agreement (Interactive Media Agreement, IMA) unprotected. Now, the union notes that employers are ready to extend protection to all works made under the IMA, regardless of the date of recording, and to prohibit labelling digital replicas as independently created for projects where the actor is officially involved.
SAG-AFTRA has also expressed concern about a clause that allows employers to use digital replicas of actors for pre-production of franchises without their consent, offering only a minimum payment. The union insists that there should always be mandatory notification and consent of the actor to such use. As a compromise, it is proposed to pay for one session for all pre-production recordings on the project.
The issue of financial conditions is particularly acute: if an actor agrees to use a digital replica during a strike, he or she will have to return the money received, which can be up to $6000 per game, in order not to break the strike.
At the same time, SAG-AFTRA signed a temporary agreement with 80 games, mostly from indie studios and smaller companies, who agreed to reasonable budget terms and protection against AI abuse. This allows actors to work during the strike with guarantees of the security of their rights.
Representatives of studios such as Little Bat Games and Studio Wildcard expressed their support for the union, emphasising the importance of fair pay and protection of voice talent. SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Negotiations Committee Chair Sarah Elmaleh noted that the number of companies that have signed the agreements demonstrates that these demands are reasonable and achievable.
As a reminder, the SAG-AFTRA strike against major game studios has been going on since July 2024 due to disagreement over the terms of AI use, payment, and protection of actors' rights.
Source: SAG-AFTRA
