In Los Angeles, Noshir Dalal underwent hours of motion capture work for a video game, resulting in physical strain that led to a torn tendon. Dalal, who portrayed Bode Akuna in “Star Wars Jedi: Survivor,” advocates for equal protection for all video game performers against the use of unregulated artificial intelligence (AI). Concerns have arisen among video game performers that AI could replicate their movements without consent, potentially reducing job opportunities. This worry prompted a strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists in late July.

Hollywood’s video game performers initiated a work stoppage due to failed negotiations over AI protections in a new interactive media agreement with game industry giants. Actors fear that AI could displace them by replicating their performances without their involvement. The issue centers on the studios’ view of movement work as “data” rather than performance, a perspective that concerns performers like Dalal.

The use of AI in video games could also impact less-experienced actors seeking smaller background roles, ethics-related issues, and potential exploitation of actors’ voices and likenesses. Motion capture technology enables actors to perform various movements that animators use to create in-game actions based on players’ interactions. AI advancements allow studios to generate animations automatically from past recordings, potentially diminishing the need for new performances.

While video game producers have offered AI protections, the definition of who qualifies as a “performer” remains a point of contention. Despite wage increases proposed by the studios, the negotiating committee of SAG-AFTRA seeks to ensure fair compensation and consent for performers affected by AI reproductions in games. The ongoing strike aims to secure comprehensive AI protections for video game performers.

A report from Newzoo predicts an increase in AI-generated voices in video games, potentially reducing opportunities for voice actors. Actors like Ben Prendergast emphasize the inability of data points and AI-generated voices to capture the essence and nuances of performances. Without adequate AI protections, performers worry about potential exploitation and loss of control over their likeness and voice, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their rights in the rapidly advancing gaming industry.