Video game voice actors are prepared to go on strike over the use of AI in game development.
The current contract negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and video game companies have stalled, with the major issues being pay raises and the use of AI to alter or generate actors' performances.
SAG-AFTRA wants protections for its members to ensure their work is not stolen or replaced by AI.
If negotiations don't progress, voice actors, stunt artists, and motion capture performers could potentially go on strike, leading to delays in game releases and recasting of beloved performers.
The voice actors' strike in 2016 resulted in improvements to pay, and now they are prepared to strike again to fight for their rights.
Video game performances are often seen as assets to be extracted and inserted into games, rather than recognizing the humanity and quality of life of the performers.
The use of AI in game development raises concerns about how companies will use advances in generative AI to steal work or put performers out of a job.
SAG-AFTRA wants transparency, consent, and compensation when it comes to the use of AI in games.
Members of SAG-AFTRA have voted in favor of authorizing a strike, meaning voice actors, stunt artists, and motion capture performers could potentially join the picket line if negotiations don't progress.
The strike could lead to delays in upcoming game releases and the recasting of performers if companies refuse to meet the union's demands.
The fight for voice actors' rights is an existential one, as they want to retain the rights to their own voices and images and achieve wages that keep up with inflation
Source : https://kotaku.com/sag-aftra-strike-voice-actor-spider-man-ai-union-1850874117
[link] [comments]