UK-Based Voice Actors Support US Video Game Strikes Amid Ongoing Dispute

Some video game actors residing in the UK have expressed a desire to strike in solidarity with their American counterparts. Voice actors affiliated with the SAG-Aftra union have been refusing to work with companies such as Activision, Disney, Warner Bros, and EA since July. This action stems from disagreements over issues including the use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI). The two sides have returned to the negotiating table; however, no significant breakthrough has occurred, and discussions have been prolonged. While the impact on gamers has been limited thus far, partly due to the extensive time required to develop blockbuster games, the situation has affected voice talent in the UK. Players of the popular action role-playing game Genshin Impact may have noticed the absence of English-language voice acting in its most recent story update. This title is the first game that fans suspect has been impacted by the ongoing video game voice actor strikes. The developers, miHoYo, have only commented that this was due to “recording arrangements.” Voiceover actor Doug Cockle, widely recognized for his role as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher series, stated his support for the strikes but noted he is not a member of SAG-Aftra because he is based in the UK. “Some studios have stopped making their games, so the voiceover industry has slowed right down,” he told BBC Newsbeat. Cockle added, “The actors in SAG-Aftra aren’t just striking for themselves. They’re striking for the creative industries [across the world].” He further stated, “If they can strike a good deal, that could be a template for other industries.” Harry McEntire, known for his portrayal of Noah in Xenoblade Chronicles 3, shares this view. McEntire commented, “I think it’s so fantastic that the [actors in] the US are doing what they’re doing at the moment.” He continued, “As with a lot of things, as goes the US, so follows everywhere else.” McEntire suggested, “If they can start to get those things in place, it can become industry standard, not just in the US.” Harry also expressed frustration that actors in the UK were unable to strike in solidarity, as “there’s no legal support for it.” SAG-Aftra and 10 game companies are struggling to reach an agreement on how Gen AI should be permitted for use in future games, particularly concerning the generation of voices. Gen AI systems, whether designed to produce text, images, or audio, do not create content from scratch but are trained on existing material. This existing material can include words, pictures, and, in the case of actors, performances. The games industry has faced global challenges, with many individuals losing their jobs even as game productions increase in scale. Some studios perceive AI as a means to reduce costs, which could potentially lead to a decrease in the demand for human voice actors. Harry stated, “I don’t really understand why you would use AI for creativity.” He questioned, “Why would we want to take something that’s so inherently human and is about inspiration, brilliance and collective energy and say ‘let’s see if we can run that through a computer programme?'” Alex Jordan, involved with the Cyberpunk 2077 games, believes that if Gen AI becomes standard, it could have a negative long-term impact. Jordan remarked, “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.” He added, “We’re going to have to really work hard to correct that.” Video game companies participating in negotiations have previously informed Newsbeat that they “have worked hard to deliver proposals with reasonable terms.” Spokesperson Audrey Cooling stated, “That protect the rights of performers while ensuring we can continue to use the most advanced technology to create a great gaming experience for fans.” She further asserted, “The robust AI protections we have offered are entirely consistent with or better than other entertainment industry agreements the union has signed.” Alex stated his support for the SAG-Aftra strikers and maintains regular communication with the union. He also mentioned that he is refraining from assisting with any new game promotions, in solidarity with his striking colleagues in America. Alex expressed frustration that the strikes have not yet been resolved. He warned, “Unless we can move on, it’s going to harm the people at the bottom of the ladder.” Harry, Alex, and Doug delivered their remarks at London’s MCM Comic Con, representing the Dungeons & Dragons group Natural Six. Over 100,000 fans attended the event, seeking opportunities to dress up, experience new games, and meet their preferred voice actors, with some enduring lengthy queues. Alex asserted, “The big one thing that AI will never be able to do is interact with the community.” He elaborated, “AI will never be able to sit down and engage with people that truly love the work on a human level and share that passion.” Alex concluded, “And people who are genuinely passionate about things want to share that passion with others.” Newsbeat is broadcast live on weekdays at 12:45 and 17:45, with past episodes available for listening online. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC states it is not accountable for the content of external websites and provides information regarding its approach to external linking.