SAG-AFTRA Strike Affects Destiny 2 and Other Major Games
The SAG-AFTRA strike, which began in July, is having a significant impact on the video game industry. Several characters in the latest Heresy update for Destiny 2, the final part of its The Final Shape expansion, are silent. According to Bungie’s community team, this is due to the ongoing strike.
“You may notice certain voice lines being silent in-game,”the community team wrote in a blog. This situation is not unique to Destiny 2; several other popular games are also affected by the strike.
The Scope of the Impact
The strike involves more than 2,500 video game performers, including voice actors and motion capture professionals. They are seeking a new contract that includes protections against generative AI exploitation. Performers want assurances that companies will not create “digital replicas” without their consent, compensation, and transparency.
A number of major video game companies are directly affected by the strike, including Activision Blizzard, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Insomniac Games, and WB Games. Bungie, while not explicitly mentioned, is likely impacted due to its use of an external production company for voice acting.
Interim Agreements and Industry Response
Not all companies are facing the same challenges. Some, like Studio Wildcard, which produces the Ark games, have signed interim agreements that provide the necessary protections while allowing production to continue.
According to SAG-AFTRA, 49 companies have signed these agreements, spanning more than 120 games. This demonstrates a willingness among some game developers to address the performers’ concerns.
The Negotiation and Key Issues
Negotiations between the companies and SAG-AFTRA are ongoing. The union’s primary demand is protection for voice actors against AI-related exploitation, including preventing unauthorized digital replicas without consent, compensation, and transparency.
Kyle McCarley, who voiced 9S in NieR: Automata, criticized SAG-AFTRA’s proposals on BlueSky, arguing that the union’s definition of a performer as someone who only does vocal work excludes movement performers, undermining AI protections.
Company Proposals and Future Steps
Audrey Cooling, a representative for the companies negotiating with SAG-AFTRA, shared that the group has submitted a proposal. It includes wage increases of over 15% for SAG-AFTRA-represented performers, enhanced health and safety protections, and industry-leading AI digital replica terms.
Cooling added that the companies are awaiting a counteroffer from SAG-AFTRA. The group remains committed to reaching an agreement to benefit performers and maintain industry productivity.
Conclusion
The SAG-AFTRA strike is having far-reaching effects on the video game industry, impacting beloved games like Destiny 2. As negotiations continue, both sides seek to find a solution that safeguards performers’ rights while ensuring the continued development of innovative video games.
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