New Agreement for Voice Actors in Video Games Protects Against AI
Voice actors and motion capture performers in the video game industry have reached an agreement with gaming studios and signed a new contract that aims to safeguard them from artificial intelligence threats and enhance their working conditions. This was reported by Reuters, referencing the SAG-AFTRA union.
Sara Elmaleh, a voice actress who has worked on games like Final Fantasy XV and Call of Duty: Black Ops III, stated that artificial intelligence was the focal point of the new agreement. She emphasized the importance of establishing ethical guidelines for the use of AI in the gaming sector.
The agreement includes new protective measures that require studios to obtain consent from actors before simulating their voices using AI technologies. Additionally, the agreement grants actors the right to withdraw their consent during potential strikes.
Gaming studios such as Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Llama Productions, Take 2 Productions, and WB Games are part of this agreement.
According to Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the studios, "On behalf of the video game producers involved in the agreement, we are pleased that SAG-AFTRA members ratified the new 'Interactive Media Agreement,' which provides historic wage increases, industry-leading protections against artificial intelligence, and enhanced health and safety measures for performers."
The 'Interactive Media Agreement' received support from 95.04% of SAG-AFTRA participants. Besides the ethical principles regarding AI, it also introduces enhanced safety measures for motion capture actors, who may jeopardize their health during performances. Medical personnel will now always be available during high-risk work.
An essential aspect of the agreement is the salary increase for both motion capture and voice actors. Their salaries will rise by 15.17%, followed by a 3% increase in November 2025, November 2026, and November 2027.
