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SAG-AFTRA Extends Support to Student Game Developers Amid Ongoing Strike
In a significant development amidst the protracted SAG-AFTRA strike, the union has announced new waivers to support the next generation of game creators. Striking video game actors will now be permitted to engage in student projects and game jams under specific newly introduced agreements. This move offers a lifeline to aspiring game developers and provides union members opportunities for work during the labor dispute.
Waivers Aim to Bolster Emerging Talent
SAG-AFTRA officially unveiled the Student Interactive Waiver Agreement and the Game Jam Waiver Agreement on Friday. These initiatives create avenues for union actors to participate in select projects without violating strike regulations. Both waivers are explicitly designed to foster growth within the early-career gaming development community.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator, emphasized the union’s commitment to the industry’s future in a press statement. “Our members possess a deep passion for this industry and are eager to contribute to projects that are shaping the future trajectory of video games,” Crabtree-Ireland stated.
Eligibility Requirements and Mutual Benefits
Projects must meet certain criteria to qualify for either waiver. However, both agreements are structured to offer mutual advantages to both performers and game developers.
Strike Context: AI Concerns and Industry Impact
The SAG-AFTRA strike, representing performers in the interactive entertainment sector, has now reached its eighth month, marking a significant labor action within the video game industry. As of March 26th, the strike action prevents union members from accepting engagements with major game production companies. These newly established waivers present valuable avenues for work continuity for actors, while simultaneously providing crucial support to up-and-coming game developers.
The Core Issue: Artificial Intelligence Protections
Artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a central issue fueling the protracted SAG-AFTRA strike. Video game actors are resolutely advocating for safeguards against the encroachment of AI, which they perceive as an escalating threat to their professions and the long-term viability of the gaming landscape.
Voice Actors Advocate for Safeguards Against AI Misuse
Earlier this month, Ashley Burch, renowned for her role in Horizon Zero Dawn, voiced her concerns publicly following the unauthorized online dissemination of a demo clip showcasing an AI-generated rendition of her character. Burch’s remarks succinctly captured the core of the dispute, underscoring that the issue is not the technology itself, but rather the insufficient protections against misuse and the unauthorized exploitation of performers’ likenesses.
Burch articulated her anxieties stating, “My concern isn’t the mere existence of this technology, nor even game studios’ inclination to utilize it – technological advancements are naturally appealing. My apprehension stems from envisioning scenarios where performances are incorporated without adequate safeguards.”
“Should we concede this fight, performers would be left without recourse, lacking critical protections or means of defense. This prospect fills me with profound sadness.”
Strike’s Lingering Effects on Game Production
The SAG-AFTRA strike persists as long as robust protections against such potential exploitations remain unaddressed. Game studios are increasingly feeling the repercussions of the ongoing labor dispute. Reports indicate that titles like League of Legends are resorting to reusing prior voice recordings, and a recent Destiny 2 episode launched in February debuted with noticeable absences of voiceover dialogue, illustrating the tangible impact of the actor’s strike on game development pipelines.