In a significant development following over a month of strike action, video game performers have reached interim agreements with 80 game studios, addressing their demands for protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence and securing improved wages. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing labor dispute between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the video game industry.
The strike, which began in July, was the result of stalled negotiations that had been ongoing for over a year and a half. The primary contention point was the concern that game voice actors and motion capture artists' likenesses could be replicated by AI without their consent or fair compensation. SAG-AFTRA's demands for stronger AI protections and fairer compensation have been a major focus of the dispute.
On Thursday, SAG-AFTRA announced that 80 individual video game titles have signed interim or tiered budget agreements, allowing affected performers to resume work on these projects. The interim agreement includes wage increases, safeguards against the exploitative use of AI, and measures to address the physical and vocal strain associated with performance work. The tiered budget agreement aims to make it more feasible for independent developers and smaller-budget projects to hire union talent while still adhering to the new protections.
“These agreements demonstrate a commitment to preserving the human artistry that drives interactive storytelling,” said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and chief negotiator. “The willingness of these companies to agree to our terms shows that these conditions are not only reasonable but also sustainable for businesses.”
The agreements also highlight a divide within the industry. While many companies have agreed to the union's terms, the strike against major publishers such as Disney, Warner Bros.’ game divisions, and Electronic Arts Productions Inc. continues. These larger publishers have yet to reach agreements that address the union’s AI provisions and other key concerns.
The announcement also includes news that Lightspeed L.A., a prominent game development studio, has agreed to produce current and future games, including the popular title “Last Sentinel,” under the union’s interim agreement. This allows Lightspeed L.A. to work with union talent despite the ongoing strike.
“These agreements signal that the video game companies in the collective bargaining group do not represent the will of the larger video game industry,” Crabtree-Ireland added. “The many companies that are happy to agree to our AI terms prove that these terms are not only reasonable, but feasible and sustainable for businesses.”
The continued strike against major publishers suggests ongoing challenges in reaching a comprehensive resolution. However, the recent agreements reflect progress and a potential path forward for the industry. The outcome of the negotiations with larger companies will be crucial in determining the final resolution to the labor dispute and the future landscape of video game production.
