For over a year, game actors have been embroiled in a high-stakes battle with major publishers like Electronic Arts and Activision Blizzard. While some progress has been made, the core issue remains unresolved: the protection of performers from being replaced by AI-generated digital replicas. This ongoing struggle is reshaping the future of voice acting in the gaming industry, raising critical questions about consent, compensation, and creative integrity.

A Stakes Too High to Ignore: Protecting Performers in the Age of AI

Breaking Down the Negotiation Standstill

The negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and game publishers have hit a significant roadblock, primarily due to disagreements over AI protections. Chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and negotiating chair Sarah Elmaleh highlighted that companies aim to use past performances and external sources without adhering to negotiated protections. This could mean that an actor’s digital replica might be used without their knowledge or consent, and without any form of payment. The guild argues that this approach undermines the entire purpose of AI safeguards.Companies are pushing for broad loopholes that would allow them to create digital replicas using any existing in-game performances from before the next contract and any publicly available data. This carveout effectively renders the AI protection provision useless, as it excludes transparency, consent, or compensation for previous work. The implications of these practices are profound, potentially eroding the rights and livelihoods of voice actors.

Industry Leaders Respond: Promises and Concerns

In response to these concerns, Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the game company bargaining group, stated that they have proposed a deal including wage increases and enhanced health and safety protections. They also offered industry-leading terms for AI digital replicas and additional compensation for performance reuse. Despite these proposals, the guild remains skeptical, emphasizing that meaningful progress on AI protections has not been achieved.The situation has escalated to the point where story scenes in popular games like Destiny 2's Heresy saga remain unvoiced, and roles risk being recast at studios unwilling to sign interim agreements with AI protections. An internal Sony demo featuring Horizon Zero Dawn’s Aloy voiced and controlled by AI further underscores the urgency of addressing these issues. If left unchecked, such practices could set a dangerous precedent for the industry.

Real-World Impact: Voices Replaced and Brands Damaged

The strike has already had tangible impacts on individual performers. Zenless Zone Zero’s Soldier 11 voice actor, Emeri Chase, was replaced because she refused to perform work not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike. For Zeke Alton, who voices William Peck in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the lack of crediting for replacement actors has led to unfair representation of his abilities, damaging his brand as a performer.These incidents highlight the broader implications of the strike, affecting not only the immediate financial stability of actors but also their long-term career prospects. Fans reaching out to express confusion or disappointment further complicates the situation, as it tarnishes the reputation of both the performers and the games themselves.

Looking Ahead: The Path Forward for Voice Actors

As negotiations continue, the future of voice acting in gaming hangs in the balance. SAG-AFTRA urges its members to consider the long-term consequences of accepting roles without adequate AI protections. Working under such conditions risks exploitation and sets a harmful precedent for the industry. The guild emphasizes the importance of solidarity among performers, warning that undermining collective efforts could lead to widespread misuse of AI technology. Ultimately, finding a resolution that balances innovation with ethical considerations will be crucial for ensuring the sustainability and integrity of voice acting in the gaming world.