The Battle Over AI in Video Games

Hollywood actors are taking a stand and striking against top video game companies due to concerns about artificial intelligence (AI). The strike, led by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra), comes after negotiations with major companies like Activision, Warner Bros, and Walt Disney broke down.

The central issue is the potential use of AI by gaming studios to mimic actors’ voices and appearances in video games without appropriate compensation. Although some contract terms have been settled, the question of how to protect performers from AI exploitation remains unresolved.

Sag-Aftra is pushing for specific and enforceable contract terms to prevent AI misuse. They argue that without such protections, the rights and interests of their members could be compromised. Meanwhile, the video game companies maintain that they have already conceded enough and included AI protections in the Interactive Media Agreement.

Despite efforts to compromise, the discussions have hit an impasse, leading to the strike. The union has made it clear they will not agree to any contract that allows companies to exploit AI at the cost of the performers.

Hollywood actors are striking against major video game companies over AI misuse and the lack of fair compensation.

FAQ: Hollywood Actors Strike Over AI in Video Games

1. Why are Hollywood actors striking against video game companies?

Hollywood actors, represented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra), are striking against major video game companies because of concerns that these companies might use artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate their voices and physical appearances in video game characters without providing fair compensation. The union wants clear and enforceable contract terms to protect performers from AI exploitation.

2. What are the main points of contention between Sag-Aftra and the video game companies?

The main point of contention is the use of AI technology. While some aspects of the contract have been agreed upon, the protection of performers from AI misuse remains unresolved. Sag-Aftra insists on specific rules to safeguard performers’ rights, while video game companies claim they have already made concessions and included AI protections in the Interactive Media Agreement. Despite these claims, the discussions have reached a stalemate, prompting the strike.

3. What is Sag-Aftra demanding in the contract?

Sag-Aftra is demanding clear and enforceable language in the contract to prevent companies from using AI to replicate performers’ voices and appearances without fair compensation. They argue that without such protections, the rights and interests of their members could be seriously compromised. The union has stated that it will not accept a contract that allows companies to exploit AI at the expense of the performers.

Sources BBC