SAG-AFTRA, Game Companies Still at Odds Over AI Terms

The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has provided its members with an update on negotiations regarding AI protections for video game actors, noting that while some progress has been achieved, the union remains "frustratingly far apart" from the industry bargaining group on key issues.

The guild released a chart highlighting the contrasts between its own proposals and those put forward by the video game industry bargaining group, which includes representatives from most major AAA publishers. According to SAG-AFTRA's comparison, the following issues are still unresolved:

Protections covering all work from digital replica or generative AI uses, not only work created after the agreement takes effect. A clear definition of "digital replica": SAG-AFTRA aims to cover any vocal or movement performance "readily identifiable or attributable to" a performer under contract. The bargaining group prefers the phrase "objectively identifiable," which SAG-AFTRA believes would let employers exclude many performances. Including "movement" performers under the generative AI agreement. The use of "real-time generation" to describe AI-generated performances. The bargaining group suggests "procedural generation," a term SAG-AFTRA argues has a different meaning in gaming. Requirements for employers to disclose if they will blend your voice with others to create a digital replica. Requirements for employers to disclose whether your voice will power a real-time chatbot that can say anything, or if it will only be used with scripted dialogue as part of the game. SAG-AFTRA's proposal allows performers to withdraw consent for digital replica use during a strike—employers want to retain the right to use them, including on struck projects. Duration of consent for real-time generation: SAG-AFTRA proposes five years, requiring renewal afterward. The bargaining group seeks permanent consent for unlimited dialogue. Minimum payment standards for creating and using digital replicas. While the parties disagree on several payment details, they have tentatively agreed on bonus pay calculations. The bargaining group proposes a provision—similar to one in the SAG-AFTRA TV/Film agreement—that grants employers bonus rights (such as easier scheduling or unlimited overtime) if they pay a premium. SAG-AFTRA argues the current language is too broad and could circumvent union rights but is open to the idea with stricter limits. SAG-AFTRA wants a system to track how and how often digital replicas are used to ensure proper payment. The bargaining group considers this unfeasible and is only willing to discuss it as part of the agreement. Specific definitions and regulations concerning "synthetic" performers—characters generated entirely using AI systems.

Although the list is long, the chart indicates that tentative agreements have been reached on other matters, such as bonus pay, dispute resolution, certain minimum compensation elements, consent requirements, and disclosures to performers. However, SAG-AFTRA cautioned its members that employers may be misrepresenting how close the two sides are to an agreement. As SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland wrote to members:

With ongoing projects delayed due to the strike, employers are feeling the pressure as SAG-AFTRA video game members stand united in demanding proper protections. This has led employers to seek other performers who can fill these roles, including those not typically involved in games. If you are approached for such work, we urge you to weigh the consequences carefully. Not only would you undermine your fellow members’ efforts, but you would also risk your own protections against AI misuse. And "AI misuse" is simply a polite way of saying these companies want to exploit your performance to replace you—without consent or fair pay.

In response, Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game industry bargaining group, released this statement:

We have offered a proposal that includes wage increases exceeding 15% for SAG-AFTRA performers in video games, along with improved health and safety measures, industry-leading AI digital replica terms, and extra compensation for reusing an actor's performance in other titles. We have made meaningful progress and are ready to resume negotiations to finalize an agreement.

The SAG-AFTRA video game strike is now in its eighth month, originally triggered by disagreements over AI terms after both sides agreed on 24 out of 25 other contract proposals. Initially, the strike's effect on released games was unclear, but its impact is becoming more visible across the industry. Players have observed that certain NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft are unvoiced in scenes that previously included dialogue, likely due to the strike. Late last year, SAG-AFTRA struck League of Legends after Riot allegedly attempted to circumvent the strike by canceling a project. Activision also confirmed recasting characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 following player concerns about new voice actors.

And just today, two voice actors for Zenless Zone Zero announced they learned they had been replaced after reading the game's latest patch notes.