Hollywood video game actors have gone on strike over concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on their work, demanding better protections and compensation.
Strike of video game actors
Causes of the conflict
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing more than 2,500 actors in the video game industry, announced the beginning of a strike. The main reason for the conflict was the inability to reach a compromise with major game developers such as Activision, Warner Bros, Take Two and Walt Disney regarding protection against the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Negotiation process
For a year and a half, the parties negotiated a new contract. Despite reaching an agreement on the issues of pay and security, the problem of protecting against AI technologies remains unresolved. Actors fear their voices and appearance could be replicated by generative AI to animate game characters without proper compensation.
Positions of the parties
Game developers say they have already made significant concessions to the union's demands. Instead, SAG-AFTRA representatives insist on the need for additional guarantees to protect the rights of actors in the era of artificial intelligence.
Industry scale
According to Newzoo, a leading company in video game analytics, the global gaming industry generates over $100 billion in revenue each year. SAG-AFTRA emphasizes that the people who make these games are a key factor in their success.
Previous Agreements and Strikes
The previous agreement, which did not contain AI protection provisions, was due to expire in November 2022 , but was extended on a monthly basis during negotiations. It is worth noting that this is already the second strike under the auspices of the Screen Actors Guild of the USA. Last year's TV and film actors' strike lasted 118 days, the longest in the union's 90-year history, and ended with $1 billion in new pay and benefits, as well as guarantees about the use of AI.
Glossary
- SAG-AFTRA is a union of actors in the USA that protects the rights and interests employees of the film, television and video game industry
- Activision is an American company, one of the largest developers and publishers of video games in the world
- Warner Bros - an American company engaged in the production of films, television programs and video games
- Take Two - an American publisher of video games, known for such franchises as Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption
- Walt Disney is an American multinational corporation engaged in the media and entertainment business, including the production of films and video games
Links
- https://www.sagaftra.org/videogamestrike
- https://newzoo.com/resources/blog/last-looks-the-global-games-market-in-2023
Answers to questions
Why did video game actors in Hollywood go on strike?
What companies are involved in negotiations with video game actors?
What are actors' main concerns about using AI in video games?
What is the profitability of the global gaming industry?
Has there been a similar actors' strike in the US before?
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Discussion of the topic – Hollywood video game actors strike against AI threat: What does it mean for the industry?
Video game voice actors have gone on strike over concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in the gaming industry. This decision was made after long negotiations with major game developers.
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Olena
Wow, this is already the second strike of actors! It seems that AI is indeed becoming a serious threat to the creative professions. I wonder how this will affect the quality of games? 🤔
Hans
I understand the concerns of the actors, but progress cannot be stopped. AI can make game production much cheaper, allowing more content to be created. Maybe actors should adapt to new realities? 🎮
Sophie
Hans, you are right about progress, but you can't forget about people's rights. Actors put their soul into their work and their contribution should be properly appreciated. Maybe you need to find a compromise between technology and human creativity? 🎭💻
Giovanni
It seems to me that this situation opens up new opportunities. Imagine games where actors work alongside AI to create incredible characters and stories. This could be the beginning of a new era in gamedev! 🚀🕹️
Grumpy George
It's all nonsense. Previously, you could do without these AIs of yours, and the games were no worse. Why these constant changes? Only problems are created on the same place. Let the actors play, and the machines - work in the factories.
Maria
George, I understand your concern, but the world is changing. It is important to find a balance between tradition and innovation. Maybe AI will help actors to reveal their potential in new directions? 🌟
Olena
Maria, great point! Perhaps actors could use AI as a tool to improve their performance? For example, to create more realistic emotions or movements of characters. It could open new horizons in video games! 🎬🤖
Hans
Agree with Olena! AI could become a powerful ally for actors rather than a threat. Imagine how this could expand the possibilities for creating epic game universes. But, of course, it is necessary to settle the issue of rights and compensations. Maybe it is worth creating a special commission to develop ethical standards for the use of AI in game development? 🤝💡