New Developments in Voice Acting for Video Games

Voice actors and motion capture performers have reached a significant agreement with game studios aimed at safeguarding their rights in the age of artificial intelligence. According to Reuters, the new terms were established through the efforts of the SAG-AFTRA union.

Sara Elmaleh, a voice actress who contributed to projects like Final Fantasy XV and Call of Duty: Black Ops III, emphasized that the core issue of the agreement was the ethical use of artificial intelligence in the gaming industry.

Under the new requirements, studios must obtain consent from actors before using AI to replicate their voices. Additionally, the agreement allows actors to pause their consent during potential strikes.

Among the studios that signed the agreement are Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Llama Productions, Take 2 Productions, and WB Games.

Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the studios, stated: "We are pleased that SAG-AFTRA members ratified the new 'Interactive Media Agreement', which includes historic wage increases, industry-leading protections against artificial intelligence, and enhanced health and safety measures for performers."

This agreement received support from 95.04% of SAG-AFTRA members. Besides fundamental principles regarding AI, it also includes increased safety measures for motion capture actors who may be at risk during recordings, ensuring medical personnel are always available during high-risk work.

Moreover, a crucial aspect of the agreement is the salary increase for both voice and motion capture actors by 15.17%, followed by an additional 3% increment in November 2025, 2026, and 2027.