SAG-AFTRA strikes against video game companies yet to see an end

After three months of negotiations, the SAG-AFTRA video games strike does not seem to be reaching any conclusion. Most recently, talks regarding a new Interactive Media Agreement once again started on Wednesday, but there is still no guarantee that the case will be resolved and the strikes will finally conclude.

As of now, over 100 video game companies are hit with SAG-AFTRA strike. These include some of the biggest gaming studios like Activision, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Llama Productions, Take 2 Interactive and WB Games.

Most recently, Riot Games also came under fire after Formosa Interactive attempted to bypass the strike by using non-union actors. As a result, SAG-AFTRA filed a violation of labour law against Formosa and in this process Riot Games was also punished as Formosa were the ones providing them various voiceovers.

Also Read:League of Legends now hit by SAG-AFTRA Strikes

“The companies have worked hard to deliver proposals with reasonable terms that protect the rights of performers while ensuring we can continue to use the most advanced technology to create great entertainment experiences for fans,” said a representative from the gaming companies previously in a statement to Deadline.

What does SAG-AFTRA demand?

Recently, the use of AI inside video games seem to be the way gaming companies are headed towards. Due to that, the actors are concerned about being replaced. Furthermore, in order to make the AI work, they are also trained with a lot of data from various voice actors. With advancing tech, this result from AI generate content resemble of that creator.

Multiple negotiations have been already discussed, but companies does not seem to letting go of the AI, which is a big red flag for SAG-AFTRA who is demanding a complete immunity against the artist’s work being used to train AI models.