Striking Voice Actors in Hollywood Over AI Protections for Workers
Videogame voice actors and motion-capture performers have initiated a strike due to failed labor contract negotiations centered around AI-related protections for workers. This strike marks another work stoppage in Hollywood this year. The SAG-AFTRA union has organized the strike of the Interactive Media Agreement that covers video game performers, effective July 26, as announced on Thursday. The decision follows negotiations with major videogame companies including Activision Productions, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Take-Two Interactive, Disney Character Voices, and Warner Bros Discovery’s WB Games.
The Union’s Concerns and Demands
Despite reaching agreements on many issues important to SAG-AFTRA members, employers have refused to clearly affirm, in enforceable language, their commitment to protect all performers covered by the contract in their AI language. The SAG-AFTRA represents film and television actors who previously went on strike last year over concerns about inadequate safeguards against artificial intelligence, resulting in simultaneous work stoppages in Hollywood for the first time in 63 years.
- SAG-AFTRA’s pressing concerns in the contract negotiations for videogame performers include higher pay, medical treatment, and breaks for motion capture performers.
- Pay for videogame performers has not kept pace with inflation, and the union is advocating for more protections for motion-capture performers who aid in creating character movements for games.
Standoff Between Union and Producers
The union’s decision to strike has been met with disappointment from the videogame producers party involved in the Interactive Media Agreement negotiations. They express readiness to resume negotiations, having found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions. The offer presented to SAG-AFTRA features AI protections requiring consent and fair compensation for all performers under the IMA.
Perspective on Game Development Costs
Despite the impasse, industry analysts like Wedbush’s managing director Michael Pachter suggest that voice actors represent a minimal portion of game development costs, averaging over $80 million, with voice acting accounting for approximately $500,000. Pachter emphasizes that delaying a game’s release to save a few hundred thousand dollars is not worth it from a financial perspective.
Hot Take: Ensuring Fairness in the Gaming Industry
As a crypto enthusiast, you are likely following the developments in Hollywood’s labor negotiations closely. The impact of AI-related protections for videogame performers can shape the future of the gaming industry. It is essential for all stakeholders to find common ground that ensures fair treatment, compensation, and working conditions for workers in the sector. Stay informed about these ongoing discussions as they could have broader implications for labor practices across various industries.
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