Hollywood video game actors have begun a strike Friday in response to a failure to reach an agreement with industry companies over the use of artificial intelligence in their contracts. The strike follows more than a year and a half of unsuccessful negotiations with industry giants such as Activision, Disney, Electronic Arts and Warner Bros. Games.
The Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA (SAG-AFTRA) represents the artists involved. Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, stated that they will not accept a contract that allows abuses of artificial intelligence. “Enough is enough” she stressed, emphasizing the importance of protecting union members.
Drescher recalled that actors already brought Hollywood to a standstill with a previous strike that, along with that of screenwriters, achieved expected contract results. Now they are seeking to extend the same safeguards to video game artists. The contract under discussion affects some 2,600 artists, including voice actors and those whose physical movements are used to create digital characters.
Drescher recalled that actors have already brought Hollywood to a standstill with a previous strike that, along with that of screenwriters, achieved expected contractual results. Now they are seeking to extend the same safeguards to video game artists.
The contract under discussion affects some 2,600 artists, which include voice actors and those whose physical movements are used to create digital characters. Union members express concern about the growing use of AI in the industry. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, chief negotiator for the union, lamented that game studios did not learn from the previous strike. He insisted that members will demand fair and equitable treatment in relation to AI, with the public's backing.
The actors had already authorized the strike in September, following the expiration of their contracts in November 2022. The producers say there has been progress in negotiations and are disappointed by the strike decision. Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the producers, mentioned that the offer includes historic wage increases and significant protections against AI. She stressed the importance of obtaining consent and fair compensation for the artists.
The strike seeks to set a precedent in the digital entertainment industry. The performer community hopes it will motivate companies to offer fair working conditions and regulate the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
