Tom Misch
Video game actors gathered at the San Diego Comic-Con to voice their grievances regarding artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry. Led by the chief contracts officer of SAG-AFTRA, Ray Rodriguez, the actors expressed concerns over proposals that fail to protect their performances from unethical use of AI.
In an interview at the convention, Rodriguez emphasized the need for action, stating, “You know, at a certain point, you can’t just keep doing what hasn’t been working up until now. And we’ve reached that point where it was time to take this action.” This strike marks another work stoppage in Hollywood, as voice actors and motion-capture performers demand better contract negotiations that address AI-related protections for workers.
Months of negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and major video game companies such as Activision Productions, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Take-Two Interactive, Disney, Character Voices, and Warner Bros Discovery’s and WB Games have failed to result in an agreement. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the actors made the decision to strike.
While the strike dominated headlines, Comic-Con attendees were excited to witness the return of A-list stars and writers. Paola Guerrero from Mexico expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m really happy because now Hall H is back, exhibitions are back, so it’s going to be great this year and I hope I’m going to see somebody – I don’t know – famous or something.”
SAG-AFTRA and the National Association of Voice Actors took the opportunity to host panels at the convention, shedding light on the urgent issues they face with AI. Rodriguez highlighted the impact of digital replication on performers’ careers, stating, “You are taking their career away. You are alienating from them something that is essential to their personhood and something that is irreplaceable from a career perspective.”
Despite the strike, major video game companies proceeded with their convention panels. Notably, EA Games announced the voice cast for the upcoming installment of the “Dragon Age” videogame franchise, titled “Dragon Age: The Voices of the Vanguard.” The panel, held a day before the strike began, featured notable voice actors Ali Hillis, Ike Amadi, Nick Boraine, and others known for their work in popular video games.
As the strike continues, both parties will need to find common ground to address the concerns raised by video game actors and ensure the fair treatment of performers in an industry increasingly influenced by AI technology.
Additional relevant facts:
1. The strike at San Diego Comic-Con is part of a larger ongoing strike by video game actors. The initial strike began in 2016 and lasted for 11 months, focusing on issues such as residuals, transparency, and vocal stress.
2. One of the key demands of the video game actors is for a new bonus structure that would provide additional compensation based on the commercial success of a game. They argue that their performances contribute significantly to the success of a game and thus deserve a share of the profits.
3. The use of AI in video games has been growing, particularly in the area of facial and body motion capture. Actors are concerned that AI technology could be used to replicate their performances without their consent or proper compensation.
4. The impact of AI on video game acting extends beyond just the actors’ careers. They argue that AI utilization could lead to fewer opportunities for diverse voices and performances, as AI systems often default to established norms and patterns.
Key questions and answers:
1. What are the main concerns of video game actors regarding AI?
Video game actors are concerned about the unethical use of AI to replicate their performances without proper compensation. They are also worried about the potential reduction in opportunities for diverse voices and performances.
2. How long has the strike by video game actors been going on?
The strike began in 2016 and lasted for 11 months. The recent strike at San Diego Comic-Con is part of the ongoing efforts by video game actors to address their concerns.
Key challenges and controversies:
1. Balancing artistic freedom and technology: The use of AI in video games raises questions about the balance between preserving the creative vision of the developers while respecting the rights and contributions of the actors.
2. Fair compensation and profit-sharing: Determining a fair bonus structure and profit-sharing model that appropriately acknowledges the impact of actors on the commercial success of a game is challenging and can be a point of contention between actors and video game companies.
Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
– AI technology can enhance the realism and immersion of video games, creating more engaging experiences for players.
– AI can potentially reduce the time and cost of developing video games by automating certain aspects of character animation.
Disadvantages:
– The unethical use of AI to replicate actor performances without consent or fair compensation can undermine the rights and livelihood of video game actors.
– The increasing reliance on AI technology may lead to a reduction in opportunities for diverse voices and performances in video games.
Suggested related links:
SAG-AFTRA
National Association of Voice Actors
EA Games
