Video Game Actors Fear Being Replace By AI

Uploaded on 2024-07-29 in TECHNOLOGY-Key Areas-Artificial Intelligence, FREE TO VIEW

Major video game makers, including Warner Bros and Walt Disney are facing the threat of a strike by Hollywood actors because of their use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The industrial action was called by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra). They are in dispute over economic protections related to the use of AI technology.

In particular, the actors are worried about video gaming producers using GenAI to reproduce their voices and physical appearance to animate video game characters, without providing them with fair compensation.

It's not immediately clear which games will be affected by the strike, but delays would be more likely to happen for games that are still in early in development, rather than anything close to launch. There's no telling how long the strike itself will last. "Although agreements have been reached on many issues... the employers refuse to plainly affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their AI language," Sag-Aftra said in a statement. “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members," it added.

The Interactive Media Agreement covers artists who provide voice-over services and on-camera work used to create video game characters.The last such deal, which did not provide AI protections, was due to expire in November 2022, but has been extended on a monthly based while talks continued.

In 2023 actors agreed a settlement worth $1billion in pay and benefits along with certain safeguards on the use of AI, following a prolonged strike which severely disrupted film and TV production and cost the state California's economy more than $6.5bn.

The issue has been highlighted earlier this year, when OpenAI simulated leading actress' Scarlett Johansson's voice without permission.

Image: Sammy-Sander

You Might Also Read:

AI Can Turn Hollywood Stars Into Pornographic Actors:

If you like this website and use the comprehensive 7,000-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription.