SAG-AFTRA Still ‘Frustratingly Far Apart’ from Big Game Studios, Publishers on AI Protections

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The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, or SAG-AFTRA, a union representing more than 160,000 industry professionals, says it’s still “frustratingly far apart” from reaching common ground with many prominent video game developers and publishers on “fundamental AI protections for all performers”.

In a statement (thanks, GamesIndustry.biz), the union says it’s still trying to address some “alarming loopholes” that it claims the industry’s bargaining group is trying to push through. The bargaining group contains representatives from firms like Activision (a leading proponent), Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, EA, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Llama Productions, Take-Two, and WB Games.

SAG-AFTRA’s update doesn’t inspire much hope that an equitable solution will be reached any time soon: “The bargaining group would have you believe that we are close to reaching a deal. This is not the case. They also are hoping our members will turn on each other. We encourage you to read this extensive updated comparison chart of AI proposals to see for yourself how far apart we remain on fundamental AI protections for all performers.”

It’s easy to overlook the effects of the current video game strike, which began in July 2024, but Kojima’s next visionary project is just one of its casualties. Eager gamers will be glad to know that GTA 6 is not among the list of struck games and will remain unaffected by any associated delays. On the upside, SAG-AFTRA says it has managed to get over 160 upcoming games to agree to “interim and independent agreements”.

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2025-03-17 11:07