Actors Union Secures Landmark Agreements with Game Developers, Paving the Way for Ethical AI Practices

In a significant development, the SAG-AFTRA actors union has resumed negotiations with major game developers, including EA, Take-Two, and others, to secure rights and protections for video game voice actors and performers. This move comes after a prolonged strike and advocacy efforts by the actors, who have been pushing for fair and ethical treatment, particularly in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Empowering Performers, Embracing Ethical AI Practices

Expanding the Reach of Interim Agreements

The negotiations have already yielded impressive results, with SAG-AFTRA revealing that over 120 games from 49 developers have now signed its tiered contract for interim agreements. This represents a significant increase from the 80 games that were signed in September, a figure that was already considered a "huge win" at the time.One of the developers that has signed on is Lightspeed L.A., whose debut project, The Last Sentinel, will be one of the first, if not the very first, games to move forward under the new Interim Media Agreement (IMA). These contracts, according to SAG-AFTRA, "contain the same common-sense, foundational A.I. protections" that the union has been seeking in the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA).

Embracing Ethical Guidelines for AI Usage

The success of these interim agreements demonstrates that most game companies are willing to embrace the fundamental, ethical guidelines around the use of AI technology that the union has been advocating for. As Sarah Elmaleh, the chair of the negotiating committee, stated, "Humane protections for actors against A.I. exploitation are not an unreasonable ask—and the success of these contracts shows that most companies agree."The companies that have signed these agreements have shown a willingness to collaborate with professional talent and respect the rights and well-being of the actors involved. Elmaleh further emphasized that "they are happy to embrace fundamental, ethical guidelines around this tool...in order to collaborate with professional talent," and that "talent are likewise eager and delighted to partner with companies that respect them."

Continuing the Fight for Fair and Responsible Contracts

Despite the progress made, the negotiations are not yet complete. Chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland has made it clear that if the talks still hit a wall, SAG-AFTRA will "keep on working with the companies that are prepared to agree to fair, ethical, and responsible contract terms, including for the use of artificial intelligence."This ongoing commitment to securing fair and responsible contract terms, including for the use of AI, demonstrates the union's unwavering dedication to protecting the rights and well-being of its members. The actors' strike and advocacy efforts have already yielded significant results, and the continued negotiations are poised to further solidify the industry's embrace of ethical AI practices and fair treatment for video game performers.