Hollywood’s video game performers head to the picket line

Hollywood’s video game performers have begun picketing at Warner Bros. Studios after negotiations for a new contract with major game studios, such as Activision and Disney, failed. The primary issue is the unregulated use of artificial intelligence (AI), which actors fear could replicate their voices and performances without consent or fair compensation. This protest follows a vote to strike by game voice actors and motion capture workers last week after 18 months of stalled negotiations. SAG-AFTRA, the union representing these performers, views AI as a significant threat, potentially more so than in film and television, due to the ease of creating digital replicas. Despite claims from game producers that they have proposed reasonable AI protections and wage increases, union leaders argue the definitions of who is considered a “performer” under the current agreements remain problematic. The global video game industry, which generated nearly $184 billion in revenue in 2023, faces this labor action as performers seek more robust AI safeguards and recognition.

Source: AP News