Voice Actors Outraged by SAG-AFTRA's AI Licensing Deal

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has announced a controversial deal with Replica Studios, allowing the licensing of digital replicas of actors' voices for use in games. While SAG-AFTRA touts the agreement as ensuring consent and fair compensation, prominent gaming voice actors, including Steve Blum and Andrew Russell, have expressed anger and disappointment, claiming they were not consulted or given the opportunity to approve the deal. The tension arises just months after SAG-AFTRA's strike for short-term compensation and future royalty payments for film and television performances, adding to the ongoing debate over AI's role in the entertainment industry.