Chris Kerr, News EditorMarch 12, 20253 Min ReadImage via SAG-AFTRAStriking voice performer union SAG-AFTRA claims negotiations with major video game studios continue to stall due to "alarming loopholes" in proposals that would leave members open to AI abuse.SAG-AFTRA called a strike in July 2024 to secure better provisions and protections for members plying their trade in the game industry. The union specifically said it wanted to deliver "critical AI protections" for performers working under the terms of the Interactive Media Agreement.The strike was called following 18 months of negotiations with a bargaining group containing major studios such as Take 2 Productions, EA, Activision, and WB Games.Although the union has delivered some victories in the form of tiered-budget or interim agreements that are currently being utilized across 80 projects, the organisation has indicated a permanent deal remains out of reach."Though progress has been made and agreements have been reached on certain provisions since we launched our strike last year, the last proposal the bargaining group made is still filled with alarming loopholes that will leave our members vulnerable to AI abuse," reads an update sent to SAG-AFTRAmembers on March 11."The union recently submitted a counter to this proposal that diligently addresses all of the loopholes and would result in a contract that offers the minimum protections our members need in order to maintain sustainable careers as video game performers."SAG-AFTRA tells voice actors to hold the line with employers 'feeling the squeeze'SAG-AFTRA claims the bargaining group is stalling in the hopes of union members turning on each other and continues to table proposals that would enable major companies to circumvent AI protections without needing to inform voice actors."They want to use all past performances and any performance they can source from outside the contract without any of the protections being bargained at all. You could be told nothing about your replica being used, offered nothing in the way of payment, and you could do nothing about it," continues the update."They want to be able to make your replica continue to work, as you, during a future strike, whether you like it or not. And once youve given your specific consent for how your replica can be used, they refuse to tell you what they actually did with it."SAG-AFTRA has emphasized the two parties remain "frustratingly far apart," but says employers are beginning to "feel the squeeze.""With their previously signed projects dragging their way through the production pipeline, employers are feeling the squeeze from the strike, as SAG-AFTRA members who work in video games continue to stand together and refuse to work without adequate protections," said the union."This is causing employers to seek other performers they can exploit to fill those roles, including those who dont typically perform in games. If youre approached for such a role, we urge you to seriously consider the consequences."Not only would you be undermining the efforts of your fellow members, but you would be putting yourself at risk by working without protections against AI misuse. And 'AI misuse' is just a nice way of saying that these companies want to use your performance to replace youwithout consent or compensation."SAG-AFTRA has published a comparison chart of AI proposals to highlight how the proposals tabled by the bargaining group differ from its own. The union will continue striking and is holding another picket at Disney Character Voices in Burbank on March 18.Read more about:Generative AILaborTop StoriesAbout the AuthorChris KerrNews Editor, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, andPocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like