In a recent announcement, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) revealed a groundbreaking deal with an artificial intelligence gaming company, Replica Studios. This agreement allows Replica to create and license digital replicas of actors’ voices for use in video games. However, this move has sparked controversy and dissatisfaction among some members of the voice acting community.
The blog post by SAG-AFTRA stated that the agreement was approved by the voice-over performer community. However, prominent gaming voice actors, including Steve Blum and Andrew Russell, expressed their frustration, claiming that they were not consulted or aware of the deal. Shelby Young, another voice actor, expressed disappointment in the union’s decision, while Veronica Taylor questioned why it was approved without a vote from the members.
SAG-AFTRA officials, on the other hand, defended the agreement as a progressive step towards leveraging AI technology in an ethical manner. President Fran Drescher touted it as an example of AI being used correctly.
This controversy comes just months after SAG-AFTRA resolved a lengthy strike, fighting for fair compensation and future royalty payments for film and television performances, which also included considerations for AI usage.
While the licensing of digital replicas of actors’ voices opens up new opportunities in the gaming industry, it also raises questions about consent, fair compensation, and the potential impact on traditional voice actors. As AI technology continues to advance and play a larger role in various sectors, it is crucial for unions, like SAG-AFTRA, to navigate these new territories in a way that protects the rights and interests of their members.
As the gaming industry evolves and AI becomes more integrated, finding a balance between technological advancements and maintaining ethical standards will be pivotal in shaping the future of voice acting in video games.
The source of the article is from the blog elperiodicodearanjuez.es