BTN News: Video game actors in Hollywood have started a strike to get better protections against the use of artificial intelligence (AI). This strike began on Friday, July 26, and was announced the day before by their union, SAG-AFTRA. The strike shows how worried these actors are about AI and its impact on their jobs. Many people in the entertainment industry share these concerns, as they think AI could change the way creative work is done.
The strike started at 12:01 a.m. in California, organized by SAG-AFTRA. The decision came after more than 18 months of talks that did not work out between the union and big companies like Activision, Disney, Electronic Arts, and Warner Bros. Games. Fran Drescher, who is the president of SAG-AFTRA and known for her role in “The Nanny,” spoke out strongly against these companies. She said, “We will not accept a contract that lets companies misuse AI against our members. This has to stop.”
The contract talks involve about 2,600 artists who provide voices or physical movements for video game characters. These artists are worried about how AI might affect their jobs. This issue is a big part of the talks between actors, writers, and big entertainment companies. The union wants to make sure workers are protected as AI becomes more common in making content.
Union Wants Same Protections for Video Game Actors as Film and TV Actors
The recent double strike in Hollywood got good results, and now SAG-AFTRA wants the same for video game actors. In September, union members had already agreed to strike if needed. Their contracts ran out in November 2022. Even though there has been some progress in talks, the union is firm in its demands.
Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the producers, said she was sad that the union chose to strike. “We are disappointed that the union walked away when we were close to a deal. We are ready to keep talking,” she said. She added that the current offer has “big wage increases and good protections against AI,” like needing artists’ consent and fair pay.
AI’s Growing Role in the Entertainment Industry Worries Many
The debate over AI in entertainment is not new. As AI gets better, it offers both chances and challenges for traditional creative roles. Video game actors worry that AI could take over their voices and movements, making their skills less needed. This strike shows how important it is to have clear rules and fair practices so AI helps rather than hurts their work.
Video game actors want protections like those film and TV actors have. They want to stop AI from copying their voices or movements without permission and pay. The union says that without these protections, actors’ jobs and the quality of video games could suffer.
This Strike Could Change How AI Is Used in Entertainment and Set New Standards
The result of this strike could affect the whole entertainment industry. If the actors win, it could set a new standard for how AI is used in creative fields, making sure it works with human talent instead of replacing it. As talks continue, everyone is watching SAG-AFTRA and the video game industry to see what happens next.
In conclusion, the strike by Hollywood’s video game actors is a key moment in the discussion about AI and workers’ rights. It shows the need for strong protections as technology changes creative work. The union’s strong stand and how the industry responds will shape the future of AI in entertainment, setting rules that could help workers in many areas.
