Actors' Union Resumes Negotiations with Video Game Industry Giants

Three months after initiating a strike, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is set to return to the negotiating table with the companies that are signatories to the Interactive Media Agreement. The talks, scheduled for October 23rd, will take place under a media blackout, as is customary for labor negotiations.

Securing Protections and Compensation for Performers in the Digital Age

Impasse on AI Replication Protections

The strike, announced by SAG-AFTRA in July, stemmed from an impasse in negotiations over protections for voice actors and motion capture performers against the use of their work in artificial intelligence (AI) models for video games. While the union had reached agreements on nearly all other issues after more than a year of on-and-off talks, the sticking point was the lack of guarantees for performers' consent and compensation for the use of their work in any AI models.The union claims that the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA) companies, which include industry giants like Disney, Activision, Electronic Arts, and Warner Bros. Games, only offered such protections for motion capture performers whose work resembled their own physical likeness, which would only cover a small percentage of mocap work. SAG-AFTRA is seeking more comprehensive terms to ensure that all video game performers are guaranteed consent and compensation for the use of their work in AI models.

Expanding the Strike to Riot Games

Last month, SAG-AFTRA escalated its actions by expanding the strike to include the popular video game League of Legends, produced by Riot Games. This move came in response to claims that the voiceover production company Formosa Group had sought non-union work for a video game currently in development.In response, SAG-AFTRA filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board and broadened the scope of the strike to include the League of Legends franchise, for which Formosa Group provides voice work. This strategic move aimed to put additional pressure on the IMA companies to reach an agreement that satisfies the union's demands for performer protections.

Seeking Parity with Other Industries

SAG-AFTRA's general counsel, Jeff Bennett, has been vocal in articulating the union's position, stating that the video game companies need to "step up" and provide the same level of protections and respect for human creative performance that other industries have already implemented.The union's stance reflects the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, where the increasing use of technology, such as AI and motion capture, has raised concerns about the rights and compensation of performers. SAG-AFTRA is determined to ensure that video game performers are afforded the same level of recognition and safeguards as their counterparts in other media, such as film and television.

Resuming Negotiations with High Stakes

The upcoming negotiations on October 23rd will be closely watched by both the video game industry and the broader entertainment community. The outcome of these talks will have significant implications for the future of performer rights and the balance of power between the union and the companies that rely on their talent.As the parties return to the negotiating table, the stakes are high, and both sides will be under pressure to find a resolution that satisfies the union's demands while also addressing the industry's concerns. The media blackout surrounding the negotiations underscores the sensitive nature of the discussions and the desire of both parties to reach an agreement without the glare of public scrutiny.The video game industry's reliance on the talent and creativity of its performers, coupled with the growing importance of AI and digital technologies, has made this a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of the entertainment landscape. The decisions made in these negotiations will shape the future of how performers are recognized, compensated, and protected in the ever-expanding world of interactive media.