The ongoing negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the video game industry bargaining group highlight significant disparities in proposed protections for actors involved in digital performances. Despite some progress, fundamental disagreements remain, particularly concerning the use of artificial intelligence in creating digital replicas of performers. SAG-AFTRA has outlined several key areas where its proposals diverge from those of the bargaining group, emphasizing concerns over consent, transparency, and fair compensation.

One major point of contention revolves around the definition and scope of "digital replica" usage. SAG-AFTRA advocates for a comprehensive approach that covers all past and future work, ensuring performers' rights are safeguarded regardless of when the content was created. The guild also seeks to include movement-based performances within these protections, arguing that any performance readily identifiable or attributable to an actor should be covered. Conversely, the bargaining group proposes a narrower definition based on "objectively identifiable" criteria, which could potentially exclude many performances from protection. Additionally, there is disagreement over how long consent for real-time generation should last, with SAG-AFTRA proposing a five-year limit versus the industry's stance on indefinite usage without renewal.

The impact of this prolonged negotiation is becoming increasingly evident across the gaming landscape. With the strike now extending into its eighth month, players have noticed unvoiced NPCs in popular titles like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft, underscoring the practical implications of unresolved labor disputes. Employers, feeling the pressure from production delays, are exploring alternative ways to fill roles, sometimes turning to non-traditional performers who may not fully understand the risks associated with working without proper protections. This situation highlights the importance of robust safeguards against potential misuse of AI technology in the entertainment industry. As both sides continue to negotiate, the need for equitable agreements that respect the rights and contributions of performers becomes ever more critical.