 |
| Performers are concerned that generative AI could be used to reproduce their voices and physical appearance |
Major video game makers such as Activision, Warner Bros and Walt Disney are confronting Hollywood filmmakers over the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
A year and a half of negotiations on a new contract between the company and the union representing more than 2,500 video games follows.
The two sides said they have agreed on a number of important issues, such as wages and job security, but security around the use of AI technology remains a major challenge.
Industrial Action was called by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra), which paralyzed Hollywood last year from film and television actors. Actors
are concerned that game companies are using artificial intelligence to reproduce their voices and appearances in order to make video players live without giving them fair compensation.
"Despite having agreed on many issues ... workers are not ready to speak in a clear, transparent way that this guarantees that they will protect all workers covered by the contract in the language of AI," Sag-Aftra said in a statement.
"We will not allow an agreement that allows companies to exploit AI to the detriment of their members," he added.
"We're disappointed that the team has chosen to walk away when we were so close to an agreement," said Audrey Cooling, a spokeswoman for the 10 video game developers at Sag-Aftra.
"Our plan specifically addresses Sag-Aftra concerns and expands significant AI protections, including the recognition and fair compensation of all service providers operating under the [Interactive Media Agreement]," said he added.
The Interactive Media Agreement covers artists who provide voice work and camera work to create video game characters.
The latest agreement, which does not provide for the protection of intellectual property, is set to expire in November 2022, but has been extended monthly as negotiations continue.
Last year, following the work organized by Sag-Aftra, US TV and actors won $1 billion (£790 million) in new fees and benefits and to protect the use of intellectual property.
The 118-day shutout is the longest in the league's 90 years.
In addition to the suspension of different writers, the act disrupted film and TV production and cost the California economy more than $6.5 billion, according to the entertainment industry.
