John Nowacky
Despite initial concerns that the voice actor strike would disrupt the development of major video game titles, including Grand Theft Auto 6 and Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6, it has now been clarified that these games will not be affected by the walkouts. The strike, initiated by SAG-AFTRA, was prompted by concerns about the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in video game voice acting.
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher stated, “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members.” However, it has been revealed that the strike only applies to games that have been in production for less than a year. Games such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows and other AAA titles that have already been in development for a longer period are not subject to the strike.
SAG-AFTRA clarified the situation, explaining that the strike does not include games that were already in production when the union provided notice of termination. Most notices were sent in September 2022. However, live service games, such as Fortnite and Apex Legends, are subject to a separate strike notice that could be enforced in under 60 days. The union will update its members if the strike order is expanded to include these games.
Last year, the Screen Actors Guild union experienced a prolonged strike after failed negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers regarding streaming royalties and protections against AI technology. The repercussions of that strike are still being felt today, with numerous projects facing delays.
In unrelated news, players of the popular game Fortnite have joined forces to demolish the Tesla Cybertruck, the latest vehicle added to the game.
Facts not mentioned in the article but relevant to the topic:
1. The voice actor strike initiated by SAG-AFTRA is a result of concerns about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in video game voice acting.
2. The strike only applies to games that have been in production for less than a year.
3. Games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and other AAA titles that have already been in development for a longer period are not subject to the strike.
4. Live service games like Fortnite and Apex Legends are subject to a separate strike notice.
5. SAG-AFTRA will update its members if the strike order is expanded to include live service games.
Key questions and answers:
1. What is the purpose of the voice actor strike? The strike is a response to concerns about the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in video game voice acting.
2. Which games are affected by the strike? The strike only applies to games that have been in production for less than a year. Games that have already been in development for a longer period are not subject to the strike.
3. Are live service games affected by the strike? Live service games like Fortnite and Apex Legends are subject to a separate strike notice, which could be enforced in under 60 days.
4. How will SAG-AFTRA inform its members about any updates on the strike? SAG-AFTRA will update its members if the strike order is expanded to include live service games.
Key challenges or controversies associated with the topic:
1. Balancing the use of AI in video game voice acting while protecting the interests of voice actors.
2. Determining the criteria for which games are subject to the strike, i.e., games in production for less than a year.
3. Negotiating different terms for live service games compared to other game types.
Advantages:
1. The strike brings attention to concerns about the utilization of AI in video game voice acting, which may lead to improvements in the industry’s practices.
2. Providing voice actors with greater protections and fair compensation for their work.
Disadvantages:
1. The strike could potentially result in delays or disruptions in the development of affected games.
2. Companies might face challenges in finding suitable alternative solutions if voice actors are not available during the strike.
Suggested related links:
– SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) official website.
– AI in video game voice acting (search results for more information on the use of artificial intelligence in video game voice acting).
