Voice actors and motion capture actors in video games have reached an agreement with game studios and signed a new contract that aims to protect them from artificial intelligence and improve working conditions, Reuters reported, citing the acting union SAG-AFTRA.
Sarah Elmaleh, a voice actress who has worked on games like Final Fantasy XV, Call of Duty: Black Ops III, and others, said that artificial intelligence was at the center of the new agreement. She noted that it was important for the actors to outline basic principles for the ethical use of artificial intelligence in the gaming industry.
The agreement includes new protections that include requiring studios to obtain consent and notify actors about the use of artificial intelligence to simulate their voices, while also giving actors the right to suspend their consent during potential strikes.
The deal was made with game studios Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Llama Productions, Take 2 Productions, and WB Games.
"On behalf of the video game producers that are party to the agreement, we are pleased that SAG-AFTRA members have ratified a new Interactive Media Agreement, which delivers historic wage increases, industry-leading A.I. protections, and enhanced health and safety measures for performers," said Audrey Kuhling, a spokeswoman for the studios.
The aforementioned "Interactive Media Agreement" was supported by 95.04% of SAG-AFTRA members. In addition to basic principles regarding AI, it also provides for more safety measures for motion capture actors who may be at risk of their health during filming. In particular, they will now always have access to medical personnel during high-risk work.
An equally important element of the deal is a salary increase for both motion capture actors and voice actors. With the agreement, their salaries will be increased by 15.17%, and then by 3% in November 2025, November 2026, and November 2027.