So many acronyms.
SAG-AFTRA video game actors in the USA have voted to strike, citing concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) as their primary reason for doing so.
In a statement, SAG-AFTRA said that “although agreements have been reached on many issues important to… members, the employers refuse to plainly affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their A.I. language.”
Those named in SAG-AFTRA’s statement include the likes of Activision Blizzard, Disney, Insomniac Games, Take 2, EA, WB, and more.
“We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher.
“When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate.”
The agreements that SAG-AFTRA referred to were reached back in January 2024 — coinciding with a larger SAG-AFTRA strike that ran over 14 July to 9 November 2023 — though voice actors at the time weren’t all-too pleased with the outcome.
“With all due respect… you state in the article ‘Approved by affected members of the union’s voiceover performer community’,” said Steve Blum, an actor who has portrayed Killer Croc in the Batman Arkham series.
“Nobody in our community approved this that I know of. Games are the bulk of my livelihood and have been for years. Who are you referring to?”
We’ll keep you updated as the situation progresses.
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