Summary
- The SAG-AFTRA strike will continue due to loopholes in the latest proposal.
- The proposal does not feature sufficient safeguards against AI.
- Based on the proposal, producers could use past performances of actors for AI training without proper compensation.
The SAG-AFTRA strike is set to continue as the latest proposal was seemingly filled with loopholes regarding the use of AI. Video game companies have been coming under fire over the past few months with regard to the use of AI artwork, sound, or other developmental processes. However, it looks like studios are doubling down on it, as was made evident by Sony’s AI Aloy tech demo.
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It seems that both parties are nowhere near an agreement, as a message sent out to all members by negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and chair of the Interactive Media Negotiating Committee Sarah Elmaleh revealed that the strike will continue.
The SAG-AFTRA Strike Will Continue
“Though progress has been made and agreements have been reached on certain provisions since we launched our strike last year, the last proposal the bargaining group made is still filled with alarming loopholes that will leave our members vulnerable to AI abuse,” said the message sent to all members (thanks, Eurogamer).
“The union recently submitted a counter to this proposal that diligently addresses all of the loopholes and would result in a contract that offers the minimum protections our members need in order to maintain sustainable careers as video game performers.
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“The bargaining group would have you believe that we are close to reaching a deal. This is not the case. They also are hoping our members will turn on each other.”
It appears that video game producers want to be able to use all the past performances of actors and also any from outside the contract, which could result in their voices used to train AI, and eventually being used in future projects for which they would not get paid.
An interim agreement has seemingly been drafted by SAG-AFTRA and has been signed by over 160 video game producers. It’s claimed that the earnings from those who signed exceed those of those who didn’t.
“Those agreements contain the protections we have been asking the bargaining group for – terms that are clearly feasible and acceptable to a great number of game companies of all sizes, even as the bargaining companies resist,” said the message.
