Hollywood video game voice and motion capture actors have officially ended their near year-long strike by signing a new contract with video game studios on Wednesday. This new agreement, negotiated by the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA, places a strong focus on protecting the rights of these actors in the rapidly growing world of artificial intelligence.
The strike, which began in October 2016, was a result of concerns over the lack of compensation and protection for actors who lend their voices and movements to video game characters. With the rise of AI technology in the gaming industry, these actors were worried about the potential loss of work and the exploitation of their performances without proper compensation.
However, after months of negotiations, SAG-AFTRA and the video game studios have come to a mutually beneficial agreement. The new contract includes provisions for additional payments to actors based on the commercial success of the game, as well as safeguards for actors in the event of a game being repurposed for AI use.
But perhaps the most significant aspect of the new contract is the inclusion of specific language that addresses the use of AI technology in video games. This groundbreaking addition ensures that actors will be fairly compensated and credited for their performances, even if their work is used to train AI systems for future use.
In a statement, SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris expressed her satisfaction with the new contract, saying, “This is a historic agreement that will protect our members’ rights and ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work in the ever-evolving world of video games.”
The agreement also includes a new bonus structure for actors who work on games that sell over 2 million copies, as well as a new transparency clause that requires companies to disclose the roles and responsibilities of actors during the development process.
This new contract is a major victory for the actors’ union and a step forward in recognizing the importance of voice and motion capture actors in the gaming industry. It sets a precedent for future contracts and highlights the need for fair compensation and protection for actors in the ever-changing landscape of technology.
The video game studios also expressed their satisfaction with the new agreement, with Scott Witlin, chief negotiator for the video game companies, stating, “This deal is a win-win for both sides. It provides the industry with the certainty it needs to continue to innovate and create, while also ensuring that actors’ work is properly valued.”
This positive outcome is a testament to the power of collaboration and compromise. Both parties were able to come together and find a solution that benefits everyone involved. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s rights and the impact that collective action can have.
With the new contract in place, Hollywood video game voice and motion capture actors can now return to work with the reassurance that their contributions will be properly recognized and compensated. This is a major step towards creating a fair and sustainable future for all actors in the gaming industry.
In conclusion, the signing of the new contract between SAG-AFTRA and video game studios marks the end of a long and challenging journey for Hollywood video game voice and motion capture actors. It is a victory for both parties and a significant step towards protecting the rights of actors in the face of rapidly advancing technology. This agreement sets a positive precedent for the future and serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving common goals.
