Actors who work in video games are worried about how artificial intelligence (AI) might affect their jobs.
The actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, has been talking with video game companies for over a year and a half about a new contract. They’ve made progress on things like pay and job safety, but they’re stuck on the issue of AI.
The union isn’t against AI completely, but they want rules to protect actors. They’re worried that game companies might use AI to copy actors’ voices or create digital versions of them without permission. This could mean fewer jobs for real actors.
AI is already being used in games to clean up voice recordings and to make characters sound older or younger.
The union is concerned that companies might use actors’ work to train AI and then not hire the actors again. They want all types of performers (like voice actors, stunt workers, and motion capture artists) to be protected from AI risks.
The video game companies are willing to protect voice actors from AI, but not other types of performers. This is a big problem for the union.
If they can’t agree, the union might go on strike. The actors voted in September to give their leaders permission to call a strike if needed.
Some actors worry that AI voices won’t have the same emotional depth as real actors. They’re also concerned that new actors won’t get a chance to start with smaller roles if AI takes those jobs.
The union has made deals with some smaller game companies and an AI voice company that include protections against AI. But they’re still trying to get the big game companies to agree.
This situation shows how AI is changing many jobs, including acting. The actors want to make sure they’re treated fairly as this new technology becomes more common in their industry.