- 2,500 SAG-AFTRA members strike over AI use in gaming, demanding protections from major companies.
- Voice actors like Jennifer Hale highlight AI’s potential to exploit their work and reduce job security.
OUR TAKE
The voice actors’ strike illuminates the conflict between technology advancement and fair labor, with AI posing risks to creative jobs through unregulated replication of performances. The situation underscores an imperative for industry standards to ensure AI’s ethical use and protect artists’ rights.
— Zoey Zhu, BTW reporter
What happened
Actors from the gaming world went on strike last week in response to concerns over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on their livelihoods. High-profile voice actor Jennifer Hale, known for her roles in the Mass Effect and Metroid series, has voiced her concerns about AI potentially taking over her work. Hale and 2,500 members of the US actors union SAG-AFTRA are demanding protections from major gaming companies like Activision and EA.
The strike, which began on 25 July, follows ongoing disputes over AI use in video games. Despite reaching agreements on various issues, AI protections remain unresolved. Hale, who highlights the disparity in pay between voice acting in games and other media, argues that the AI threat could drastically affect her earnings and job security.
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Also read: Hollywood video game performers on strike over AI
Why it’s important
The strike reflects broader industry concerns about AI’s impact on employment and creativity. Voice actors like Jennifer Hale are fighting to prevent AI from devaluing their work and reducing fair compensation. As AI technology becomes more advanced, its potential to replicate human performances raises significant ethical and financial questions.
This conflict highlights a critical moment in the entertainment industry as it grapples with technological advancements. The outcome could set important precedents for how AI is managed in creative fields, ensuring fair practices and protecting the livelihoods of artists. The solidarity expressed by UK actors further underscores the global nature of the challenge facing the industry.
