Photo credit: www.theverge.com
Concerns Over AI in Gaming: A Call for Consent and Protection
Recent discussions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in the gaming industry have ignited important conversations about the future of performance art within this medium. A recent tech demonstration by Guerilla Games has raised eyebrows, particularly among performance artists and actors involved in video game production. It was made clear that this demo did not incorporate any current development efforts or utilize any actors’ performances, including facial or voice data.
The crux of the issue lies not merely in the existence of AI technology but rather the implications it poses for those who contribute their performance to video games. Currently, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is on strike, advocating for crucial protections regarding the use of AI in video games. The move is a direct response to the overwhelming concern that game companies may seek to exploit this technology without proper consent or compensation for the talents involved.
The demands of the striking actors include strict regulations that require game developers to obtain consent before creating any AI representations of performers. Furthermore, they seek assurances of fair compensation and transparency regarding how digital replicas will be utilized within projects.
The anxiety surrounding this situation is not unfounded. While the advancement of technology is a constant in the gaming industry, the existential threat posed to the artistic integrity and rights of individual performers is profound. The thought of an AI-generated character being produced without the original actor’s involvement raises significant ethical dilemmas. It paints a distressing picture where an individual’s hard work and identity could be appropriated without due process or acknowledgment.
Scholars, industry veterans, and the gaming community alike are urged to consider the far-reaching implications of mandates surrounding AI integration. The fear is that without strong protections, performers may find themselves devoid of recourse against unauthorized use of their likenesses or performances. This potential loss not only impacts individual actors but also threatens the richness and diversity of future storytelling in games.
Those involved in the industry passionately express their desire for a thriving future—a future where new talents can emerge, where the art of performance in gaming is valued, and where creativity continues to flourish. The outcomes of the ongoing strike and the discussions surrounding sustainable practices in the digital space stand to reshape the industry landscape significantly.
The commitment to stand firm against exploitation in the face of technological evolution is, at its heart, a bid to preserve the artistry that makes gaming a unique and powerful medium. As the industry navigates this complex terrain, it is imperative that the voices of its performers remain heard and respected.
Source
www.theverge.com