Actors and AI: A New Deal for Video Game Performers

A big win just happened for actors in video games. After a long strike, the union SAG-AFTRA got a new deal. Most members, 95. 04%, said yes to it. This deal is a big step forward, especially for AI rules. It makes sure actors have a say in how their likeness is used in games. They can even stop new AI stuff from being made during strikes. The deal also means better pay and benefits. That's a big deal for performers who have been working under old rates. The union's leader, Fran Drescher, praised the team that negotiated the deal. She said it's a big win for AI protections and progress. But it wasn't easy. The strike lasted 11 months. That's a long time to be out of work. The chief negotiator thanked everyone who stuck it out. Now, performers can go back to work with better protections and pay. The game producers are happy too. They said the deal brings big pay raises and strong AI rules. They're looking forward to working with actors again. One actor, Jennifer Hale, said the community is relieved. She hopes creators who left during the strike will come back. This deal might also affect actors in other countries. The UK actors' union, Equity, wants similar protections. They want fair pay and AI rules for their members too. They're calling on game companies to step up and make the UK industry better for creators.