Video game actors fight for job security amid AI’s impact on the industry

In the world of video game development, the rise of AI has sparked concern among performers who fear it could threaten their jobs. Motion capture actors like Noshir Dalal, who perform the physical movements that bring game characters to life, worry that AI could be used to replicate their performances without their consent, potentially reducing job opportunities and diminishing the value of their work.

Dalal, who has played characters in the most popular video games like ‘Star Wars Jedi: Survivor,’ highlights the physical toll and skill required in motion capture work. He argues that AI could allow studios to bypass hiring actors for new projects by reusing data from past performances. The concern is central to the ongoing strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which represents video game performers and other media professionals. The union is demanding stronger protections against unregulated AI use in the industry.

Why does this matter?

AI’s ability to generate new animations and voices based on existing data is at the heart of the issue. While studios argue that they have offered meaningful AI protections, performers remain sceptical. They worry that the use of AI could lead to ethical dilemmas, such as their likenesses being used in ways they do not endorse, as seen in the controversy surrounding game modifications that use AI to create inappropriate content.

Video game companies have offered wage increases and other benefits as negotiations continue, but the debate over AI protections remains unresolved. Performers like Dalal and others argue that AI could strip away the artistry and individuality that actors bring to their roles without strict controls, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how AI is regulated in the entertainment industry, impacting the future of video game development and beyond.