Members of the video game industry are banding together to create a union focused on safeguarding their jobs from the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI). With concerns about automation, especially from generative AI, game developers, voice artists, and animators are collectively seeking to protect their roles and improve their working conditions amidst the increasing presence of AI technologies.

Recent discussions in the industry have highlighted the importance of unionization to combat the potential job losses posed by automation. As major gaming companies like Square Enix and Tencent explore AI integration, gaming professionals fear the repercussions on their employment. Chrissy Fellmeth from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) emphasized the need for workers to have consent over their employment decisions in light of these emerging challenges. AI's automation capabilities, particularly concerning concept artists, animators, and writers, raise concerns among those working in the creative aspects of the gaming industry.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, workers in the gaming sector have engaged in dialogues and roundtable discussions to explore strategies for forming a union, with a focus on potential solutions that prioritize their interests. The movement towards unionization is being spearheaded by performers and voice actors already represented by SAG-AFTRA, known for its advocacy in Hollywood. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, stressed the necessity of extending protections to video game industry workers, suggesting the possibility of a strike if companies fail to prioritize fair treatment for all performers, including adequate AI protections. The union's resistance to agreements that allow voice replication without fair compensation reflects their commitment to ensuring equitable treatment of workers in the face of advancing AI technologies.