The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently updated its members on the ongoing negotiations regarding video game actor AI protections. While some progress has been made, significant disagreements remain with the industry bargaining group, leaving negotiations "frustratingly far apart" on key issues.

A comparison chart highlights these sticking points: SAG-AFTRA seeks comprehensive AI protection covering all past and future work, not just future productions. The definition of "digital replica" is a major hurdle. SAG-AFTRA's proposal includes any performance readily identifiable or attributable to a performer, while the bargaining group prefers "objectively identifiable," a term SAG-AFTRA believes is too restrictive. The inclusion of movement performers in the agreement, the terminology used to describe AI-generated performances ("real-time generation" vs. "procedural generation"), and the disclosure of voice blending and chatbot uses are also contentious. Furthermore, disagreements persist on consent withdrawal during strikes, the duration of consent for AI-generated performances (SAG-AFTRA proposes five years, the bargaining group seeks unlimited consent), and minimum compensation for digital replica creation and use. The bargaining group's proposed bonus rights structure, mirroring the SAG-AFTRA TV/Film agreement, is considered too broad by the guild, potentially circumventing union rights. Finally, SAG-AFTRA advocates for a system to track digital replica usage to ensure fair compensation, a proposal the bargaining group deems infeasible.

Despite these unresolved issues, tentative agreements have been reached on bonus pay calculations, dispute resolution, certain aspects of minimum compensation, consent requirements, and specific disclosures to performers. However, SAG-AFTRA expresses concern that the bargaining employers are misrepresenting the progress of negotiations. SAG-AFTRA's National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, cautioned members against undermining the strike by accepting work without adequate AI protections, emphasizing the risk of exploitation and replacement without consent or compensation.

In response, Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game industry bargaining group, stated that they've proposed a deal including over 15% wage increases, enhanced health and safety protections, and industry-leading AI terms, expressing eagerness to return to the bargaining table.

The eight-month-long SAG-AFTRA video game strike, stemming from the AI disagreement, is visibly impacting the industry. Players have reported unvoiced NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft. Following alleged strike subversion attempts, League of Legends was struck, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 characters were recast. Recently, two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered their replacements through patch notes. The situation highlights the ongoing tension and the significant hurdles remaining in the negotiations.