Video Game Actors Ratify Landmark Contract, Ending 11-Month Strike Amid AI Concerns
A new agreement between the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and video game companies officially concludes a nearly yearlong strike, securing vital protections for performers in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. An overwhelming 95 percent of union members voted to ratify the contract, which guarantees annual wage increases, improved compensation, and crucial safeguards against the unauthorized use of their likenesses and voices by AI.
The strike, lasting 11 months, centered on securing protections against the encroachment of AI in the video game industry—a sticking point that stalled negotiations for the majority of the dispute. According to a senior union official, all other aspects of the contract, including compensation and working conditions, were resolved months prior to the final agreement. The temporary suspension of the strike in June paved the way for this week’s ratification vote.
“We knew that this was the issue of most existential importance,” stated a committee chair for SAG-AFTRA, who also works as a voice actor. “This is a medium that is fundamentally digitized.” The concern stems from the increasing ability of AI to replicate human performance, potentially displacing actors from their work.
The role of performers is integral to the creation of immersive gaming experiences. Actors not only provide voices for characters but also contribute to realistic character movements through motion capture and allow companies to utilize their physical appearances. While AI is impacting numerous industries, including animation, technology, and education, the video game sector is experiencing these effects particularly acutely.
The ratified contract introduces critical requirements for consent and disclosure. Any video game developer seeking to utilize a performer’s voice or likeness to create an AI-driven digital replica must now obtain explicit consent and provide full transparency regarding its intended use. Furthermore, the agreement allows performers to suspend their approval for the generation of new material using AI should they choose to initiate another strike.
The growing threat of AI replacing human actors is already becoming a reality. In May, Fortnite introduced an AI-generated version of Darth Vader from Star Wars. The implementation was quickly marred by issues, as players exploited the system to make the character utter inappropriate language, necessitating a swift “hotfix” from Epic Games. Shortly after, SAG-AFTRA filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against Epic subsidiary Llama Productions, asserting that the replacement of a human worker with AI occurred “without providing any notice of their intent to do this and without bargaining with us over appropriate terms.”
The case of Darth Vader actor James Earl Jones highlights the complexities of AI voice replication. Jones granted permission for his voice to be digitally recreated using AI technology prior to his passing in 2024. However, a senior negotiator for SAG-AFTRA emphasized the need for consistent application of these protections, requiring a “reasonably specific” description of how an artist’s image or voice will be used. “These provisions ensure that a deceased artist’s image, voice, and performance are treated with the same respect as a living artist’s,” the negotiator explained.
This landmark agreement represents a significant victory for video game performers, establishing a crucial precedent for navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the entertainment industry. It underscores the importance of protecting the rights and livelihoods of creative professionals in an era of rapid technological advancement.
