Video games strike rumbles on in row over AI

Recently, a significant event unfolded in the world of video games as actors from the gaming industry initiated a strike. This action was taken in response to concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence, or AI, and the potential threats it poses to their careers. The strike has reignited discussions about how the entertainment industry is adapting to the rapid advancements in technology. One prominent voice actor, Jennifer Hale, has emerged as a key figure in this movement. Known for her captivating voice, Hale has voiced numerous iconic characters, including Commander Shepard from the Mass Effect series and Samus Aran from the Metroid franchise. Her voice is familiar to millions of gamers, and she is deeply concerned about the implications of AI on her profession. Hale expressed her frustration, stating, 'They see that the work of our souls is nothing more than a commodity to generate profits for them. ' This sentiment reflects the feelings of many actors who believe that major gaming companies prioritize profit over the well-being of the individuals behind the characters. Hale is part of a larger group of 2,500 members from the SAG-AFTRA union, which represents actors in the United States. They have decided to strike until prominent gaming companies, such as Activision, Warner Brothers, Walt Disney, and Electronic Arts, agree to implement protections regarding the use of AI in their work. One of Hale's primary concerns is that AI could be used to replicate her voice for video games without her consent. She elaborated on this issue, saying, 'They could take all my performances in a game, let's say Mass Effect, feed them into a machine, and then create a new game with a performance that was entirely generated by AI. ' This fear is not unfounded, as the use of AI in various industries has raised ethical questions about the rights of artists and performers. The strike, which began on July 25, has been a culmination of ongoing disputes between the actors and gaming companies. While some agreements have been reached on various issues, the protection against AI remains a significant sticking point. Hale, despite her success as a voice actor, highlighted the financial disparities between voice acting in video games and traditional film and television work. She stated, 'I’m a single working mother who has bills to pay and a life to provide for my kid. ' This statement underscores the financial challenges that many voice actors face, as they often do not receive the same level of compensation as their counterparts in other areas of the entertainment industry. The current strike follows a similar strike that occurred last year involving Hollywood actors and writers, who were also advocating for better compensation and protections. Audrey Cooling, a representative for the ten gaming companies involved in negotiations with SAG-AFTRA, stated, 'Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the Interactive Media Agreement. ' This agreement aims to cover artists working in video games and ensure that their rights are protected. Hale acknowledged that not all gaming companies are problematic. Some smaller developers are willing to collaborate with actors and create fair agreements. She mentioned, 'Anybody sitting in their basement, anywhere making a game can go to SAG and say, hey, my budget is small, I really want to work with these good actors. ' This highlights the potential for positive relationships between actors and game developers. Furthermore, Hale believes that the strike may reflect a broader unease regarding the impact of AI on various professions. She stated, 'We actors are the canary in the coal mine. ' This metaphor suggests that if the issues faced by actors are ignored, it could lead to larger problems for workers in other fields. Across the Atlantic, the UK actor’s union Equity has expressed solidarity with their American counterparts. John Barclay, the assistant general secretary of Equity, released a statement emphasizing the importance of fair pay and protecting the rights of actors in the face of AI advancements. However, the regulations surrounding strikes differ in the UK, and Equity members are not currently striking. David Menkin, a voice actor in the UK, explained that there is no mutually agreed contract between Equity and the producers of video games, which limits their ability to strike. He expressed concern that American companies might circumvent the strike by hiring British talent instead. Menkin emphasized the need for UK actors to stay informed about the situation. As the strike continues in the US, Jennifer Hale remains hopeful that both sides will return to the negotiating table and prioritize the long-term creative concerns over short-term profits. She concluded, 'I hope they see that we are all in this together.