Hollywood's video game performers have gone on strike due to a deadlock in negotiations with game industry giants over artificial intelligence (AI) protections. The Screen Actors Guild and its affiliate union argue that AI could replicate the voices and likenesses of game voice actors and motion capture artists without their consent or fair compensation. They claim that the unregulated use of AI poses a greater threat to performers in the video game industry than in film and television. Although progress had been made in wage and job safety negotiations, the crux of the issue lies in the regulation of generative AI. The strike covers over 2, 500 off-camera voiceover performers, motion capture artists, stunt coordinators, singers, dancers, puppeteers, and background performers.

Companies involved in the negotiations include Activision, Electronic Arts, Disney, and Warner Bros. This is the second strike by SAG-AFTRA's video game performers, with the first occurring in October 2016. Among their demands are wages that keep up with inflation, protection against exploitative uses of AI, and safety measures for physical and vocal performances. AI's potential to displace actors and create ethical concerns is a significant sticking point. The union has previously created a contract with AI voice company Replica Studios and a separate agreement for indie and lower-budget video game projects to address some AI concerns.