The gaming industry is currently facing a significant disruption as more than 2,500 video game performers, including voice and motion capture actors, continue their strike over the need for AI protections. This ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike is having a noticeable impact on popular games such as Destiny 2, League of Legends, and Genshin Impact, and will persist until a satisfactory contract is signed.
One of the most conspicuous effects of the strike is evident in Destiny 2's latest Heresy update, which is part of The Final Shape expansion. Players have observed that certain characters remain silent, a direct result of the strike. Bungie, the game's developer, confirmed in a blog post that this silence is due to the ongoing labor dispute, stating, 'You may notice certain voice lines being silent in-game.'
Negotiations between video game performers and companies have been ongoing for over two years, with the strike itself beginning in July. The primary sticking point remains the protection against exploitation by generative artificial intelligence (AI). SAG-AFTRA is advocating for contractual safeguards that prevent companies from creating 'digital replicas' of performers without obtaining their consent, providing appropriate compensation, and ensuring transparency.
Despite the strike, not all video game companies are affected. Some companies have opted to sign interim agreements that grant actors the protections they seek, allowing production to continue. Studio Wildcard, known for the Ark series, is one such company. As of October, 49 companies have signed these agreements, covering more than 120 games.
However, major industry players like Activision Blizzard, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Blindlight, Insomniac Games, Take 2 Productions, VoiceWorks Productions, and WB Games remain impacted. Bungie, despite not being on this list, experiences indirect effects as it utilizes external production companies for its voice acting needs.
AI technology has become a contentious issue within the entertainment industry. While it offers numerous possibilities for innovation, performers are concerned about its potential to replace human talent without fair compensation or acknowledgment. Kyle McCarley, known for voicing 9S in NieR: Automata, highlighted on BlueSky that even the fundamental definition of a performer is being contested in these negotiations.
As the industry navigates these complexities, the outcome of this strike could set significant precedents for how AI is utilized in creative fields. Until a resolution is reached, players might continue to experience disruptions in their gaming experiences, serving as a stark reminder of the human element behind their favorite virtual worlds.
