Game-Makers Eagerly Sign on to Agreements, Which Contain A.I. Terms That Protect Members
LOS ANGELES (Oct. 22, 2024) – On the eve of the scheduled resumption of negotiations on the video game contract, SAG-AFTRA has announced that more than 120 games from 49 companies have now signed the union’s tiered-budget or interim agreements.
Significantly, these contracts contain the same common-sense, foundational A.I. protections that SAG-AFTRA members are asking for in the Interactive Media Agreement — demonstrating that the provisions are fair and achievable, and providing employment opportunities to members during the work stoppage.
“Humane protections for actors against A.I. exploitation are not an unreasonable ask — and the success of these contracts shows that most companies agree. They are happy to embrace fundamental, ethical guidelines around this tool – alongside equitable accommodation of it – in order to collaborate with professional talent. And talent are likewise eager and delighted to partner with companies that respect them,” said Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee Chair Sarah Elmaleh.
“We’ve had over 120 contracts signed and there’s no sign of things slowing down,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “As we return to negotiations tomorrow, I hope we are able to reach an agreement on our Interactive Media Agreement, but if not, we will keep on working with the companies that are prepared to agree to fair, ethical, and responsible contract terms, including for the use of artificial intelligence.”
In July, after more than 18 months of negotiations, SAG-AFTRA went on strike against all signatories to the Interactive Media Agreement. Bargaining will resume with the employer unit which includes Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Llama Productions LLC, Take 2 Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc. tomorrow.
The central issue of contention has been the union’s demand for proper consent, compensation and transparency around the use of A.I., for all members who work the contract.
Find out more at sagaftra.org/videogamestrike
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