Video game actors speak out after union announces AI voice deal | VGC
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SAG AFTRA claims 80% of its members approved the…

According to SAG AFTRA, the deal will “enable Replica to engage SAG-AFTRA members under a fair, ethical agreement to safely create and license a digital replica of their voice. Licensed voices can be used in video game development and other interactive media projects from pre-production to final release.”

The deal reportedly includes minimum terms and the requirement for performers’ consent to use their voice for AI.

However, several prominent video game voice actors were quick to respond on X, specifically to a portion of the statement which claims the deal was approved by “affected members of the union’s voiceover performer community.”

Apex Legends voice actor Erika Ishii wrote: “Approved by… WHO exactly?? Was any one of the ‘affected members’ who signed off on this a working voice actor?”

    • Pistcow@lemm.eeEnglish
      691·
      2 years ago

      Even the recognized ones don’t get paid well. Weird that SAG would sign off on this so easily when SAG actors and writers striked for months with AI being a big part of the issue.

        • Sanctus@lemmy.worldEnglish
          351·
          2 years ago

          Guarantee none of them have experienced being on your 10th take in the booth, with the previous line fed to you by the Audio Engineer through your cans, and the next line is whatever comes next alphabetically. Its just as valid as any other form of acting. People on a high horse because of their job is the most asinine shit. Its all work.

            • Pistcow@lemm.eeEnglish
              3·
              2 years ago

              Question, what do conventional actors fall under when they voice for something like a Disney or Pixar movie? What would be the protections from using Seinfield’s voice if he did a new Bee movie? Or are they protected by SAG Actor and its just the nerd VOs that are fucked?

              Couldn’t imagine an A-lister ever voicing a AAA game if they fell under those rules.

    • GreatAlbatross@feddit.ukEnglish
      161·
      2 years ago

      I’ve done voice acting before, and honestly, you’re right on the money.
      So many people don’t even notice if the voice work in a piece of media is good/bad.
      Playing one game, several of the main characters sound like they were recorded in completely different rooms.
      And I’m sat here like a mug with a deadened setup, wondering why I bothered.

      When that little detail is paid, I can see games absolutely jumping on the machine generated bandwagon.