Vote Results for Video Game Performers’ Contract Expected Soon
The union’s vote on a temporary contract between video game performers and their employers is anticipated to conclude by Wednesday evening.
If the contract is ratified, it would mark the end of nearly three years of negotiations by the Guild-American Federation of Screen Actors and radio artist representatives to secure a new agreement for video game performers.
This drawn-out process had included an 11-month strike against several leading game developers, significantly driven by concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on industry workers.
If the contract gets approval, it will manage pay increases, the use of performers’ likenesses, and protections against misuse of AI.
The deal was first presented to the union in early June and involved discussions with major video game companies, such as Activision and Electronic Arts.
After a strike suspension on June 11, about 3,000 SAG-AFTRA members able to vote on the interactive media contract have been casting ballots since June 18.
The results are expected to be announced soon after the voting ends at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Duncan Crabtree Ireland, the national executive director and chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, described the 11-month strike as “a tough and unbearable process” prior to the vote conclusion.
“Our members hope that when they reflect on this, they’ll see all the sacrifices made as ultimately worthwhile, as we now have the essential elements needed to feel secure in this business and move forward,” Crabtree Ireland remarked.
According to Audrey Cool, a spokesperson for the producers involved, the new agreement promises “industry-leading” protections concerning AI.
The proposed contract lays out specific limits on how and when video game companies can produce digital replicas, particularly those generated by AI without the actor’s recorded performance.
Provisions of the New Contract for Video Game Performers
Employers will need to obtain written consent from performers to create any digital replicas. This agreement must be granted during the performer’s lifetime and may extend beyond death unless stated otherwise in the contract.
The time dedicated to creating a digital replica will be considered work hours and compensated accordingly.
Additionally, the contract mandates that employers provide performers with detailed reports on how their digital representations were utilized and the expected compensation calculations.
Upon ratification, performer coverage is set to increase by over 15%, along with a 3% annual raise for three-year contracts.
Moving forward, it’s vital to enhance awareness and understanding among members regarding the new AI regulations if the contract is approved.
“Implementing these safeguards in practice will require our members to pay attention, comprehend what needs noting, engage with the union, and report any potential violations,” she noted.
