SAG-AFTRA Reaches Landmark AI Protection Agreement with Lightspeed LA

The SAG-AFTRA performers union has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to secure better rights for video game actors, announcing a new partnership with Lightspeed LA. The Tencent-owned studio has signed the union's Interim Interactive Media Agreement, which provides protections for actors concerned about the use of artificial intelligence in conjunction with their voice work. This development is particularly notable given the current strike, with one of the primary concerns being the potential for game studios to record lines from actors and then utilize AI to modify or generate new content without bringing the performers back in. Lightspeed LA has become the first games company to sign this agreement, ensuring that union members can work with the studio despite the ongoing strikes. According to Steve Martin, general manager of Lightspeed LA, the studio has always valued the unique contributions of talent, recognizing the essential role they play in injecting creativity and innovation into video games. Martin expressed the studio's commitment to supporting its cast, highlighting the importance of performer protections. SAG-AFTRA's national executive director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, and the union's negotiating committee chair, Sarah Elmaleh, praised Lightspeed LA for its understanding of the need for AI protections and its willingness to collaborate. The partnership between SAG-AFTRA and Lightspeed LA is seen as a significant step forward, with the studio currently working on its debut title, Last Sentinel, a narrative-driven open-world action game featuring veteran actor Troy Baker as performance director.