For many video game developers and publishers, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) means saving huge costs and valuable time. Others carry out experiments to improve results. However, along with the advances, vices in production and in regards to artistic work have also begun to proliferate. Faced with this, the SAG-AFTRA enables a strike to be called.
The acronym SAG-AFTRA refers to the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. In fact, if they sound familiar to you, it’s perfectly normal: they led to the last major Hollywood actors’ strike, which, along with the pandemic, paralyzed the entertainment industry, with AI itself being one of the organization’s biggest concerns. An issue that, in fact, has been under negotiation for months in the video game arena. What does this imply?
As you can read in the official websiteSAG-AFTRA has granted permission to call for an immediate strike against game developers and publishers in order to establish a protection plan for AI-generated contentin addition to other contractual clauses with artists and creators.
This does not necessarily imply that a strike will take place, mind you, but it does give Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the union’s national negotiator and executive director, the ability to call it with immediate effect. Moreover, the possibility of reaching an agreement is reportedly becoming increasingly difficult.
“If called, the strike will apply to all services covered by the Interactive Media Agreement and all SAG-AFTRA members will cease providing all services and performing all work covered by the IMA.
The parties are continuing negotiations at this time, but remain far apart on resolving the necessary terms covering critical AI protections for video game artists.”
According to Crabtree-Ireland himself, SAG-AFTRA members voted more than 98 percent in favor of authorizing a strike if employers do not come to the table with an agreement that satisfactorily addresses crucial provisions, especially when it comes to AI.
“Our resolve is unwavering and must not be tested. We are steadfast in our commitment to our members who work on this contract and whose extraordinary performance is the heart and soul of the world’s most popular video games. Time is running out for the companies to reach an agreement.”
The issue is not exactly new. SAG-AFTRA has already taken the first steps last february and they do not only cover the use of AI in large productions, but also in independent and low-budget game projects. However, and this is important, at the moment there is consent and the ability to initiate the strike, but the step has not been taken.
The Consequences of a Possible SAG-AFTRA Strike on Video Games
Should a strike be called, all services covered by the current Interactive Media Agreement would be suspended, and all SAG-AFTRA members would be suspended from providing services to the projects they are involved in. In other words, voice work, motion capture work and of course any activity involving a union member would be halted.
This would obviously have a huge impact on games currently in development and would lead to losses and delays in launches, compromising production (for players) and, collaterally, putting developers and publishers in an extremely difficult position. At least, those who sit down to negotiate with the union.
The Screen Actors Guild’s plan is put some pressure and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland has already been given the green light to call a strike. And the fact that no action has been taken means that negotiations are still underway, which is a good sign for everyone.
What will this lead to? At the very least, there will be regulation on the use of AI in video games. What we don’t know is whether we will have it soon after this warning or, directly, after a hypothetical strike. In any case, and as George Lucas said, the use of AI is inevitable. Another thing is how it is used.
At iGamesNews | The next big step in AI won’t be revolutionizing the NPCs in your favorite RPG. It’s already done it
