A new agreement between video game artists and studios will curb the misuse of AI. Artists' digital likenesses will no longer be created without their permission, safeguarding their identities and rights.
Video Game: A major and historic agreement has been reached between video game artists and gaming studios in Hollywood, which could set a precedent for the entire tech industry in the future. This agreement is crucial for artists who give life to video game characters with their voices and bodies. After a long-running strike, a solution has finally emerged that could prove to be a milestone in preventing the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).
Historic Agreement between SAG-AFTRA and Gaming Studios
The main focus of this agreement between SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and nine major video game studios worldwide was the protection of artists' digital identities. Now, no studio can digitally reproduce an artist's voice, face, or physical movements using AI without permission. The agreement clarifies that no AI-based use will be considered legal without the prior consent and explicit information of the artists.
Significant Relief for Artists
Sarah Elmaleh, who has voiced characters in hit games like Final Fantasy XV and Call of Duty: Black Ops III, called the agreement a 'fundamental shift' for the gaming industry. She said: 'AI was at the center of our proposals. We had to ensure that it was used ethically and in the interest of the artists.' Her statement indicates that artists are now not just fighting for entertainment but also for their identity and rights.
What is included in the new provisions?
1. Mandatory consent for AI replication: No voice or body data will be used unless explicit permission is obtained from the artist.
2. Disclosure of information: If AI is being used in a game project, the artist will be informed beforehand.
3. Suspension of consent during a strike: Artists can opt out of content created during a strike.
4. Protection for motion capture actors: The presence of medical staff will be mandatory during dangerous stunts.
Significant Wage Increase
Under this new agreement, SAG-AFTRA members will receive:
- An immediate wage increase of 15.17%
- As well as an annual increase of 3% in November 2025, 2026, and 2027
In addition, improvements have been made to health and safety parameters, which will protect motion capture artists from physical risks.
Which studios will this agreement apply to?
This agreement will apply to the following major video game studios:
- Activision Productions
- Blindlight
- Disney Character Voices
- Electronic Arts (EA)
- Formosa Interactive
- Insomniac Games
- Take-Two Productions
- WB Games
- Luma Productions
These studios are associated with the world's most popular games like GTA, Spider-Man, FIFA, Call of Duty, etc.
A Step Towards Legal Change
This agreement is not just an industry step, but it also gives impetus to the demand for legal change. The American bill called 'No Fakes Act', which would make it a crime to copy a person's voice or face using AI without their permission, has received support from SAG-AFTRA, Disney, the Motion Picture Association, and the Recording Academy. This law could become a global example in the direction of protecting artists around the world from unwanted access to AI.
The Real Victory of Artists in the Age of AI
When the writers' and actors' strike began in 2023, it was a warning that a balance between technology and humanity is necessary. Now that the video game artists' strike also started for the same reason and ended with a satisfactory agreement, it gives a clear message to the entire industry: 'AI is here to assist us, not to replace us.'
