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SAG-AFTRA Confronts Epic Games Over AI Voice Implementation in Fortnite
SAG-AFTRA is addressing the use of AI technology in video games, particularly concerning the replication of voice performances. The union acknowledged its members’ interest in leveraging artificial intelligence, clarifying their objective is to secure bargaining power over the use of vocal replications that supplant their members’ work, including matching iconic voices, such as Darth Vader’s, within the gaming sector.
The Nuances of AI Usage According to SAG-AFTRA
While the adoption of artificial intelligence prompts concerns about replacing human talent, particularly with potentially lower-quality outputs, SAG-AFTRA has accepted integrating AI designed to mimic actors’ performances. The union has forged agreements and collaborations with several AI companies, ensuring specific contractual safeguards for its members who utilize this technology. Thus, the issue isn’t the utilization of AI to emulate Darth Vader’s voice – originally James Earl Jones and subsequent performers. Instead, the core concern lies in Epic Games’ failure to negotiate terms with SAG-AFTRA before implementation.
Fortnite’s AI Implementation: A Point of Contention
“Fortnite’s signatory company, Llama Productions, opted to substitute human performer work with AI technology,” SAG-AFTRA stated. “Regrettably, they proceeded without prior notification of this intention and without negotiating suitable terms.”
The Sticking Point: AI in Gaming
The primary obstacle in the ongoing video game voice actor strike is the application of AI in both vocal and motion capture performance within games. Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the signatory companies of its interactive media agreement collapsed last year, leading to an ongoing strike since July, surpassing the duration of the actors’ and writers’ strikes of 2023.