Entertainment

The Long-Awaited Resolution: Striking Game Actors Finalize AI Protections

2025-06-10

Author: Liam

A Groundbreaking Tentative Agreement After Nearly a Year of Struggle

After nearly 11 months of intense negotiations, SAG-AFTRA game actors are on the brink of a pivotal resolution with major game publishers regarding crucial AI protections. This week, both parties reached a tentative agreement that promises to safeguard performers against the evolving threats posed by artificial intelligence in the industry.

Who’s Involved?

The agreement involves prominent gaming companies, including Activision Productions, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, and several others. While the specifics of the deal remain under wraps, SAG-AFTRA emphasizes the inclusion of essential 'AI guardrails' designed to protect the livelihoods of game actors as AI technology evolves.

Strike Continues but Hope Emerges

Despite the encouraging news, the strike isn't over just yet. SAG-AFTRA is still ironing out details related to the suspension of the strike, meaning actors will continue to withhold their services until the terms are finalized and ratified by union members in the upcoming weeks.

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland's Gratitude

SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, expressed deep appreciation for the commitment of video game performers and the negotiating team. He acknowledged the sacrifices made during this tumultuous period and emphasized that the newly proposed deal not only introduces much-needed AI protections but also improves working conditions.

AI's Disruptive Role in Game Development

The journey to this agreement was fraught with challenges, particularly surrounding the impact of AI on voice recording and performance capture. With AI capabilities advancing rapidly, there were valid concerns that companies could easily replicate actors’ performances using AI models, potentially sidelining human talent altogether.

Concerns from Prominent Voices in the Industry

High-profile actors such as Ashly Burch, known for her role as Aloy in Horizon Zero Dawn, voiced fears about AI technology replacing human actors. Earlier this year, SAG-AFTRA filed an unfair labor practice complaint against Epic Games for featuring an AI-driven Darth Vader in Fortnite, highlighting ongoing tensions in the industry. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney hinted at a future where all non-playable characters (NPCs) could be AI-controlled.

The Fallout of the Strike

As the strike dragged on, actors faced frustrations, with some being replaced in major titles like Call of Duty and Zenless Zone Zero. In contrast, games such as Destiny 2 opted to leave characters mute rather than use non-union voices. The prolonged negotiations have sparked divisions within the gaming community, as some actors felt their ability to voice dissent was stifled. William Salyers, known for his role as Otto Octavius in Spider-Man 2, lamented this atmosphere, suggesting it discouraged open discourse.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Game Actors

As the industry slowly moves toward a potential resolution, the fate of many game actors hangs in the balance. With the looming vote on the deal, the stakes have never been higher in the battle for fair protections against AI misuse in one of the fastest-growing entertainment sectors.