SAG-AFTRA and Replica Studios Forge Milestone Pact to Govern AI Voice Acting in Video Games

In a groundbreaking move, the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has reached a pivotal agreement with AI voiceover company Replica Studios. Unveiled at CES 2024, the deal outlines explicit guidelines for incorporating AI voice acting and crafting AI voice replicas within video games.

Months of negotiations, centered on AI and likeness rights, preceded this transformative pact. SAG-AFTRA now proactively regulates AI use, particularly in the evolving landscape of video game production, where technological strides have altered traditional acting.

While actors increasingly contribute through voice work and motion capture, some studios, like The Finals, embrace generative AI for in-game voices, sidestepping traditional actors. The Replica Studios agreement underscores the significance of "informed consent" in AI voice acting contracts, allowing performers to opt out of future use.

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director, emphasized the deal's focus on providing protections for digital voice replicas. Negotiations with various game studios are ongoing, with a strike authorization in place if needed.

Crabtree-Ireland hopes this Replica Studios deal serves as inspiration for future agreements with game studios, fostering collaboration and ensuring AI voice work aligns with industry standards. The ongoing debate on AI's optimal use in video games highlights the industry's continued exploration of this transformative technology.