Exploring SAG-AFTRA's Triumph with Sarah Elmaleh - our website's Podcast Ep. 51 (rephrased)
SAG-AFTRA Strikes Historic Deal on AI Use in Video Games
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors in the United States, has reached a landmark agreement with major studios like Activision Blizzard, EA, and Take-Two, setting new terms for the use of generative AI (GAI) in video games and interactive media. The deal, which officially ends an 11-month strike and three years of bargaining, includes explicit protections for performers' rights and compensation boosts.
The new agreement includes strict provisions regarding GAI. No AI-generated replications of performers' voices or likenesses will be permitted without explicit performer consent. This effectively prevents companies from creating digital replicas using generative AI from prior recordings or likenesses unless permission is granted.
The agreement defines GAI as a type of AI that learns patterns from data to create content. It introduces "guardrails" around AI use, ensuring that AI is not used to replace actors but can be used strategically to augment performances, shifting the industry approach toward augmenting talent instead of substituting it.
Increased compensation and overtime rates for performers are also part of the broader contract, acknowledging the value of talent in the era of emerging AI technologies. This clause is groundbreaking as it is the first major digital production sector contract to codify protections preventing unauthorized AI-generated replications, safeguarding performers' ownership and control over their digital selves.
Sarah Elmaleh, SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Negotiating Committee chair, had to balance the opinions of actors eager to experiment with generative AI and those who view it as an existential threat. Elmaleh was interviewed on a podcast to explain her experience during the three-year ordeal.
In addition to the agreement, SAG-AFTRA has launched a bi-weekly podcast about game development, aptly named "The our website Podcast." Hosted by Bryant Francis, the podcast features guests from the game development industry and discusses various topics related to game development. Mike Meehan provides music for the podcast, and Pierre Landriau edits it. You can follow the podcast on Bluesky and LinkedIn.
[1] Variety: "SAG-AFTRA Reaches Deal with Video Game Companies on Generative AI Use" [2] The Hollywood Reporter: "SAG-AFTRA Strikes Deal with Video Game Companies on AI Use" [3] GameSpot: "SAG-AFTRA and Video Game Companies Agree on AI Use Terms" [4] Polygon: "SAG-AFTRA Strike Ends After 11-Month Standoff Over AI Use in Video Games" [5] IGN: "SAG-AFTRA Announces Historic Deal on AI Use in Video Games"
- The agreement between SAG-AFTRA and major studios explicitly prohibits the use of generative AI to create digital replicas of performers without their consent, ensuring that technology is utilized to augment performances rather than replace actors.
- As technological advancements continue to shape the entertainment industry, this landmark deal sets new standards for AI use in video games, offering increased compensation for performers and safeguarding their rights and ownership over their digital likenesses.
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