Video game makers see actors as AI ‘data’, says union on strike

Hollywood's video game performers voted to go on strike Thursday, throwing part of the entertainment industry into another work stoppage after talks for a new contract with major game studios broke down over artificial intelligence protections. — AP

SAN DIEGO: Artificial intelligence was key to last year’s Hollywood strikes, and it has now sparked a second walkout by those actors who work in a far larger industry, at the heart of advancing technology – video games.

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) on July 26 began its second strike in nine months, this time against gaming giants that dominate an industry which grosses well over US$100 billion each year.