SAG-AFTRA Union and Publishers Remain at an Impasse Over AI

The ongoing negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and game publishers over the use of artificial intelligence in acting are still far from resolution. According to their latest update, while some progress has been made, there’s a significant gap in reaching an agreement, particularly concerning AI-related issues. Since July 2024, members of the SAG-AFTRA union working within the gaming sector have been on strike, highlighting the depth of their concerns.

A major sticking point in these discussions revolves around the use of AI, with some publishers pushing to digitally replicate actors’ voices for future projects—often without the actors’ prior knowledge or consent.

SAG-AFTRA has expressed skepticism about claims suggesting a deal is near. “The bargaining group would have you believe that we are close to reaching a deal,” they noted. “This is not the case. Furthermore, they hope to sow discord among our members. We strongly recommend reviewing the detailed comparison chart of the AI proposals to see just how vastly different our positions remain on essential AI protections for performers.”

The union is particularly concerned about the use of past performances and those obtained from outside the contract being exploited without adhering to any negotiated safeguards. There’s a real fear that replicas of actors could be used during future strikes without any approval or compensation, and with no transparency regarding their usage.

Despite the ongoing challenges with the bargaining group, SAG-AFTRA has found success elsewhere. Over 160 games have embraced interim and independent agreements that incorporate the very protections the union is seeking in broader negotiations. These agreements have generated more revenue than non-stricken games, proving that the terms are practical and agreeable for many game companies, even if the larger publishers resist.