In the past several decades, video game voice acting has grown just as much as the medium has. Once considered a novelty, voice acting is vital to any game, with some performances rivaling that of Oscar-worthy movies. Think of the performances of Troy Baker as Joel in The Last of Us or Roger Clark’s work as Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2. Outside of AAA gaming, many up-and-coming voice actors give it their all in indie projects. It’s not an unpopular opinion to say these are fantastic actors who deserve to have fair compensation. But some aren’t, especially with the threat of AI over the horizon.
On September 25, 2023, SAG-AFTRA approved a strike, with a staggering 98.32% yes vote. This strike represents approximately 2,600 voice actors who are demanding higher wages to keep up with inflation and protections against AI. This comes after negotiations that started in October 2022. While many of their demands were met, their employers refuse to say that they will be protected by the rise of AI.
AI and Voice Acting
Just like how voice acting has evolved, so have AI voices. Just 20 years ago, the robotic sounds of Microsoft Sam seemed high-tech. Now, AI can replicate someone’s voice to near perfection. Of course, there are still mispronounced words. There’s an uncanny valley feeling to most of the voices, where they sound human but just robotic enough to shatter the illusion. The AI doesn’t understand the nuances of voice acting like a human does. But what happens when this technology improves?
Naturally, this question has startled many voice actors, who worry that AI will replace their jobs or their voices will be cloned for use after they pass away or even when they’re still alive. Many voice actors are already experiencing this uncomfortable realization with fan-made videos that use their voices without permission. For example, in July 2023, voice actor Erica Lindbeck faced both support and backlash on X (formerly Twitter) when she asked her followers to report a video that had Futaba Sakura, a character from the video game Persona 5 that she voices, singing a song using an AI clone of her performance.
Lindbeck was supported by fans, fellow voice actors, and those who oppose the unregulated use of this technology. However, she also received backlash from some who said she was making a mountain out of a molehill and going after a harmless fan project. This debate grew so big that she eventually deactivated her X account but has since returned.
Whatever you think about her optics, however, one can see why she was unnerved. The use of AI for fan projects doesn’t cause too much harm (although it could shut the doors to voice talents who get their start from these projects.) But companies may start using this AI as well. For example, there may be a new Persona 5 spinoff, and instead of compensating Lindbeck to voice Futaba again, the game uses AI to replicate her voice.
That said, not every voice actor is against AI, with some giving companies permission to clone their voices. This process can open a new revenue stream. However, this process is built on consent, and voice actors are still fairly compensated and protected from AI being used in ways against their consent. However, many top game companies, including Activision, Electronic Arts, and Insomniac, are not offering these protections.
If SAG-AFTRA reaches their agreement, video game producers will need the actor’s consent to use their voice and their likeness as an AI replication. In addition, the actor will be compensated whenever their voice or likeness is used.
What SAG-AFTRA Has to Say
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher had several words to say about this strike. “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate,” she said.
Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland also voiced his opinion. “Frankly, it’s stunning that these video game studios haven’t learned anything from last year’s lessons —that our members can and will stand up and demand fair and equitable treatment with respect to AI, and the public supports us in that,” he said.
Crabtree-Ireland was referring to the strikes from 2023, during which actors and writers reached a deal to protect their work from being replaced by AI or having their likenesses used without their permission. However, these protections have yet to apply to the gaming industry.
How Will This Affect Gaming?
The voice actors going on strike include high-profile actors such as Troy Baker, Jennifer Hale, Matt Mercer, and many, many others. Because of this, many gamers are wondering if their favorite games will be delayed.
First, this only applies to recently started projects. For instance, the highly-anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI will not be affected. However, if SAG-AFTRA fails to reach an agreement, there may be delays in highly anticipated games. Alternatively, the companies may use scab voice actors, which may not please supporters of the strike. A scab is a derogatory term for a person who works during a strike, and their work is typically seen as more low-quality.
Our opinion? If you’re an aspiring voice actor and a gamer, however, you should support the strike even if your most anticipated game gets delayed. Games face delays all the time, whether due to ironing out glitches or other creative decisions. When the game you anticipate comes out, it will have fantastic voice acting because everyone agreed.
This story is still in development, so we will update you if there are any significant developments or shake-ups that happen because of it.
That said, what do you think of this strike? Do you think voice actors deserve protections against AI, or is this technology like opening Pandora’s Box? Let us know. It’s a complicated, sensitive subject, so keep it civil.
