Hollywood performers are striking against major video game studios, including Activision, Warner Bros., and Walt Disney, due to disagreements over artificial intelligence (AI) use. The strike comes after a year and a half of negotiations between the companies and the union representing over 2,500 video game performers.

While the two sides have settled on issues like wages and job safety, AI-related protections remain a significant sticking point. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the union behind the strike, is concerned about gaming studios using generative AI to replicate performers' voices and appearances without adequate compensation.

Despite reaching agreements on many issues, SAG-AFTRA claims that the studios have failed to provide clear and enforceable language to protect performers from AI misuse. “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members,” the union stated.

On the other hand, video game studios argue that they have made substantial concessions. Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the negotiating studios, expressed disappointment that the union chose to strike despite their offer. “Our offer directly addresses SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and includes significant AI protections, such as requiring consent and fair compensation for all performers,” Cooling said.

The Interactive Media Agreement, which governs voiceover and on-camera work for video game characters, has been extended monthly since its last expiration in November 2022 while talks continued.

This strike mirrors the recent disruptions in the film and TV industry, where SAG-AFTRA secured $1 billion in new pay and benefits and established AI safeguards following a historic 118-day strike. Combined with a writers' strike, these actions significantly impacted the film and TV sectors, costing California's economy more than $6.5 billion.

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