As a long-time fan and supporter of SAG-AFTRA and its members, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration for their unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and fair treatment of voice actors and capture artists in the video game industry. The use of AI in video game development is a topic that strikes close to my heart, having seen firsthand the impact it can have on hardworking performers who dedicate their time, talent, and likenesses to bring characters to life.
As a passionate gamer and supporter of the arts, I’m dismayed to share that SAG-AFTRA, the union representing video game voice actors and capture artists, has decided to go on strike. The reason behind this action is their concern over the alleged misuse of AI in video game development.
I was thrilled to learn this week that SAG-AFTRA made the announcement of a strike through a press release on their website. This decision comes following earlier negotiations in the year, triggered by a prolonged strike across multiple industries in 2023. Among the companies involved in these discussions were Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Llama Productions LLC, Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.
Starting July 26, at 12:am, after over a year and a half of unsuccessful negotiations, I, as a gamer, will be joining the Video Game Strike. Let’s level up our contracts together with SAG-AFTRA! #VideoGameStrike #LevelUpTheContract #SagAftraStrong
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 25, 2024
Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, firmly expressed the union’s position on artificial intelligence protections, emphasizing their unwillingness to compromise on this issue.
Chair Sarah Elmaleh of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiation Committee expressed concern over the growing frustration among performer guilds due to some companies’ unwillingness to include safeguards against harmful AI usage in video games.
Supporters of the Interactive Media Agreement expressed disappointment among themselves, assuming they had addressed SAG-AFTRA’s concerns during negotiations, according to Audrey Cooling, a representative from the video game industry.
Based on current information, it seems that SAG-AFTRA is determined to strongly resist any changes regarding AI in games during these negotiations. Keep an eye on Shacknews for further details and breaking union news as this story unfolds.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-07-26 01:27