UK-based stars support US video game strikes as row continues

UK-based voice actors are expressing their desire to join the striking US video game actors in solidarity as tensions mount over working conditions in the industry. Members of the SAG-AFTRA union in the US have been on strike since July against major companies like Activision, Disney, Warner Bros, and EA, primarily over concerns surrounding the use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) in video games.

While negotiations are ongoing, there has been no significant progress, leading to extended talks. For now, the impact on gamers has been minimal, largely due to the lengthy production cycles of blockbuster games. However, the strike has notably affected voice talent in the UK. For instance, fans of the action role-playing game Genshin Impact have likely noticed the absence of English-language voice acting in its latest update, marking the first game suspected to be influenced by the ongoing strikes. The game’s developer, miHoYo, attributed the change to “recording arrangements,” but specifics remain unclear.

Voice actor Doug Cockle, famed for his role as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher series, has voiced his support for the SAG-AFTRA strikes, even though he is not a union member due to his UK residency. He explained to BBC Newsbeat, “Some studios have stopped making their games, so the voiceover industry has slowed right down. The actors in SAG-AFTRA aren’t just striking for themselves. They’re striking for the creative industries across the world. If they can strike a good deal, that could be a template for other industries.”

Harry McEntire, recognized as Noah in Xenoblade Chronicles 3, echoed Doug’s sentiments, stating, “I think it’s fantastic that the actors in the US are doing what they’re doing. As with a lot of things, as goes the US, so follows everywhere else. If they can start to get those things in place, it can become industry standard, not just in the US.” Harry expressed his frustration that UK actors lack the legal support to strike in solidarity.

The crux of the dispute involves how Gen AI should be employed in future games, particularly concerning the generation of voices. Gen AI systems do not create original content but instead generate outputs based on existing material, including performances by human actors. As the global games industry grapples with job losses despite rising production values, some studios view AI as a cost-cutting measure that could reduce the need for human voice actors.

“I don’t really understand why you would use AI for creativity,” Harry stated. “Why would we want to take something that’s so inherently human, about inspiration and collective energy, and run that through a computer program?”

Alex Jordan, who voiced characters in Cyberpunk 2077, warned that if Gen AI becomes the industry standard, it could stifle creativity in the long run. “I think if we don’t take solid action soon, we’re just going to see a kind of void of creativity further down the line. We’re going to have to work hard to correct that.”

In response to the ongoing negotiations, video game companies have previously stated they are committed to delivering reasonable proposals that protect performers’ rights while leveraging advanced technology for an enhanced gaming experience. Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the companies involved, emphasized that the “robust AI protections we have offered are entirely consistent with or better than other entertainment industry agreements the union has signed.”

Alex has been actively supporting the SAG-AFTRA strikers and has refrained from promoting any new games in solidarity with his American colleagues. He expressed frustration over the lack of resolution, stating, “Unless we can move on, it’s going to harm the people at the bottom of the ladder.”

Harry, Alex, and Doug shared their thoughts at London’s MCM Comic Con, where over 100,000 fans gathered to celebrate games and engage with their favorite voice actors. “The big thing that AI will never be able to do is interact with the community,” Alex remarked. “AI will never be able to engage with people who truly love the work on a human level and share that passion. People who are genuinely passionate about things want to share that passion with others.”

As the debate over AI in gaming continues, these UK voice actors highlight the need for solidarity and action across the industry to safeguard creative talent and ensure a vibrant future for video games.