Hollywood's video game performers overwhelmingly voted to strike on Thursday following stalled negotiations with top game industry companies over AI protections. SAG-AFTRA leaders flag the AI and labor issues as an existential threat, fearing AI could replicate and use performers' likenesses without proper consent or compensation.
Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA President, asserted, "We're not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough." The strike, affecting over 2,500 members including voice actors and motion capture artists, begins 12:01 a.m. Friday.
Negotiations with industry giants like Activision and Electronic Arts failed despite reaching tentative agreements on most proposals. This strike mirrors the union's 2016 action, which lasted 11 months and resulted in a bonus compensation structure for performers. Key union demands include wage increases that match inflation, AI usage protections, and safety standards for physical and vocal stress. Despite some progress, the refusal of companies to equally protect on-camera performers from AI-generated content remains a critical sticking point. The industry's stance appalls union representatives, who insist all contributors deserve fair compensation and informed consent. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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