Video Game Actor Strike Enters Second Week
The video game actor strike has entered its second week, with no signs of progress in returning to the bargaining table. SAG-AFTRA, representing around 160,000 actors and performers in the entertainment industry, initiated the strike due to disagreements on AI use in video game productions. The strike commenced on July 26.
Stalemate Over AI Protections
The core issue of the strike revolves around the inadequate AI protections offered by video game studios, with limitations on which actors receive these protections. SAG-AFTRA’s Chief Contract Officer, Ray Rodriguez, highlighted several unresolved issues related to AI, emphasizing that the producers were only willing to offer protections to voice performers and not on-camera performers until recently.
- The strike impacts major video game producers like Activision Productions, Electronic Arts Productions, Epic Games, and Warner Bros. Games.
- Producers are disappointed over SAG-AFTRA’s decision to halt negotiations and stress their readiness to resume talks.
Concerns Over AI Deep Fakes
Rodriguez underscored the broader implications of protecting actors’ likenesses against unauthorized AI use, particularly in the context of AI-generated deep fakes and misinformation dissemination. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding performers’ livelihoods and the overall trustworthiness of digital content in combating these challenges.
- Offered protections by game publishers come with exceptions that compromise the safety of on-camera and voice actors.
- SAG-AFTRA remains committed to resuming negotiations despite the ongoing strike, indicating openness to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
Hot Take: The Importance of AI Protections in the Entertainment Industry
Ensuring adequate AI protections for actors in the entertainment industry is crucial for maintaining trust in digital content and safeguarding performers’ livelihoods. The ongoing strike highlights the necessity of addressing AI-related concerns to establish fair and comprehensive standards for all actors involved in video game productions.
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