Video game performers on strike for almost a year over AI issues reach a tentative deal
The union for Hollywood's video game performers has reached a tentative contract with several video game companies that may bring an end to an almost year-long strike tied to the use of artificial intelligence.
Members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists went on strike in July 2024 after negotiations with game industry giants came to a halt over artificial intelligence protections.
SAG-AFTRA said that the unregulated use of AI posed 'an equal or even greater threat' to performers in the video game industry than it does in film and television because the capacity to cheaply and easily create convincing digital replicas of performers' voices is widely available.
The performers were worried that unchecked use of AI could provide game makers with a means to displace them — by training an AI to replicate an actor's voice, or to create a digital replica of their likeness without consent.
'Patience and persistence has resulted in a deal that puts in place the necessary AI guardrails that defend performers' livelihoods in the AI age, alongside other important gains,' SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in a statement.
The union had been negotiating with an industry bargaining group consisting of signatory video game companies, including divisions of Activision and Electronic Arts. Those companies include Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Epic Games Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Take 2 Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.
SAG-AFTRA said that it anticipates that the terms of a strike suspension agreement will be finalized with the companies soon. Union members will remain on strike until such an agreement is reached.
The tentative contract deal still needs approval by the National Board and ratification by union membership.
Video game performers had previously gone on strike in October 2016, with a tentative deal reached 11 months later, in September 2017. That strike helped secure a bonus compensation structure for voice actors and performance capture artists.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Blog
24 minutes ago
- Auto Blog
Amazon is selling a ‘professional' cordless car buffer for 40% off, and shoppers say it's ‘very easy to use'
Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. If you want to make your car look squeaky clean this summer but don't feel like going to the carwash every day, there's an easy solution: a personal buffer. And you can score one at Amazon right now for a cool $40 off. The Blackcube Cordless Car Buffer is on sale for $60, which is 40% off the original $100 price tag. This polisher earned four out of five stars from Amazon reviewers, and shoppers say it can do everything from de-fogging headlamps to wiping every inch of dirt off your windshield. Blackcube Cordless Car Buffer, $60 (was $100) at Amazon Not every garage has an outlet, and sometimes you just want to work on your car outside. That's not a problem with this buffer, as it's cordless and comes with a 12-volt, large capacity battery. With this energy source, this device can deliver up to a whopping 5,000 oscillations per minute, providing you with the power you need for the perfect car wax. It also has other handy features including a built-in battery indicator (green light when it's full, yellow when partially drained, red when it needs a charge) and an anti-interference motor that doesn't produce a lot of noise. Best of all, this Blackcube creation weighs a mere 2.2 pounds with a soft, non-slip handle, meaning it's a breeze to carry and operate for an extended period of time. 'Very good,' one shopper began. 'This polisher works like a professional. I serviced five cars with it and [my customers] were very impressed, very easy to use!' 'Great for plexiglass,' another reviewer said. The Blackcube Cordless Car Buffer has six variable speed modes, comes with a battery, charger and extra polishing pads, and is 40% off. Getting all of that at a discounted price is a rarity, so don't let this generous Amazon offer escape your grasp. About the Author Daniel Donabedian View Profile
Auto Blog
24 minutes ago
- Auto Blog
These 10 Used Cars Saw the Biggest Value Losses in 2025
Tesla dominated the depreciation charts, but it wasn't alone. From luxury EVs to plug-in hybrids, these models lost thousands in value over the past year. A good time to be a buyer Used car prices are finally starting to creep upward after two years of post-pandemic corrections, but that doesn't mean every vehicle is gaining value. According to a new study by iSeeCars analyzing 2.4 million used sales in May 2024 and May 2025, several once-popular models are still dropping fast, especially in the electric vehicle and luxury categories. While the average 1- to 5-year-old used car now costs $32,317 — up 2% from a year ago — some vehicles lost 10% or more of their value. Here are the top 10 biggest losers in 2025. Tesla Model S Tesla Model S — Source: Tesla No vehicle lost more value this year than the Tesla Model S. Once a status symbol for early EV adopters, the average used Model S dropped 16% year-over-year, shedding $8,837 to land at an average price of $46,503. For a vehicle that started well north of $80,000 when new, that's a significant fall, and a reflection of how quickly electric luxury sedans are depreciating. While newer versions still offer jaw-dropping performance and range, the used market is clearly pulling back as buyers consider alternatives with newer battery tech or lower operating costs. Tesla Model Y Tesla Model Y — Source: Tesla The Model Y may be Tesla's best-selling vehicle, but it couldn't avoid a steep value drop. Over the past 12 months, the average used Model Y declined by 14.2%, losing $4,945 in value to settle at $29,789. Several factors likely contributed to the slide, including Tesla's repeated price cuts for new vehicles, increasing competition from other EV crossovers, and growing scrutiny of the brand's quality and leadership. For used buyers, however, this could be a golden opportunity to get into an EV with solid range at a relatively affordable price. Porsche Taycan Porsche Taycan GTS and GTS Sport Turismo — Source: Porsche With an average price of $75,644, the Porsche Taycan remains one of the priciest used EVs on the market, but it's also one of the fastest depreciating. Over the past year, Taycan prices dropped 12.7%, a raw-dollar loss of nearly $11,000. This luxury electric sedan wowed buyers with its performance when it launched, but newer rivals and rapid improvements in EV technology have chipped away at its appeal. Add in the fact that high repair and ownership costs are common with premium German vehicles, and it's no surprise the Taycan is struggling to hold its value. Ford Explorer Hybrid 2025 Ford Explorer — Source: Ford Not all of the biggest depreciation stories are luxury EVs. The Ford Explorer Hybrid lost 11.3% of its value over the past year, dropping by $4,044 to an average of $31,811. The hybrid version of this three-row SUV offers better fuel economy than its gas-only counterpart, but not enough to justify the price premium in the eyes of many used car shoppers. Combined with lackluster reviews and a competitive midsize SUV segment, the Explorer Hybrid has become a tougher sell on the used market. Tesla Model 3 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance — Source: Tesla Even Tesla's most accessible model isn't immune to falling values. The Model 3 saw a 10.8% decline in resale value this year, losing $3,078 to reach an average used price of $25,361. For years, the Model 3 was seen as the EV market's standard bearer, but recent price drops on new versions and a flood of supply on the used market have pushed values lower. That's bad news for current owners, but for buyers, it means it's now possible to find a well-equipped used Model 3 for under $30,000. Jeep Gladiator 2025 Jeep Gladiator — Source: Stellantis The Jeep Gladiator blends pickup utility with Wrangler off-road DNA, but its value hasn't held up. Over the past year, Gladiator prices dropped by 10.7%, translating to a $4,112 decline and bringing the average price down to $34,253. Part of the problem may be that the novelty of the Gladiator has worn off, and high fuel costs aren't doing rugged, body-on-frame trucks any favors. Still, for fans of outdoor adventure and removable doors, the falling price could be an invitation. Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid — Source: Ford The second Ford on this list is the Escape Plug-In Hybrid, which saw its average resale price drop by 10.7%, or $3,139, bringing it to $26,201. Plug-in hybrids occupy a strange space in the market — not quite electric, not quite gas — and that ambiguity seems to be hurting their resale values. While the Escape PHEV offers decent range and good efficiency, used car buyers may be opting for more straightforward hybrid or EV options instead. Mercedes-Benz GLB 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB — Source: Mercedes-Benz The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a boxy compact luxury SUV that offers surprising space for its size. Even with that practicality, the GLB lost 9.9% of its value in the past year, about $3,566, bringing its average price to $32,403. Luxury brands often depreciate quickly, especially in the entry-level segments, and the GLB appears to be no exception. Buyers who want a badge and some upscale features without paying new-car prices might find this model appealing — just be ready for premium maintenance costs. Maserati Levante 2021 Maserati Levante Hybrid Maserati's Levante SUV combines exotic styling and performance with an SUV form factor, but its resale value is anything but stable. Prices dropped 9.5% year-over-year, falling by $4,663 to an average of $44,433. That's a steep decline for a vehicle that often carried six-figure MSRPs when new. As with many ultra-luxury brands, the Levante suffers from high depreciation, limited service networks, and concerns about long-term reliability — all of which make used buyers cautious. Tesla Model X Tesla Model X — Source: Tesla Rounding out the list is Tesla's largest vehicle, the Model X. This full-size SUV with its distinctive Falcon Wing doors saw a year-over-year price drop of 8.9%, or $5,292, putting the average price at $54,004. As new EV SUVs enter the market and Tesla's own software and hardware evolve quickly, older Model X units may start to feel dated. Still, for families seeking an all-electric ride with plenty of space and performance, a used Model X is now significantly more attainable than it was even a year ago. Final thoughts As a whole, used car prices are trending upward, but these 10 models show that the market is still volatile for certain segments. Electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and luxury SUVs are depreciating quickly, offering opportunities for savvy buyers willing to take on the risks that come with advanced tech or high-end nameplates. For sellers, the message is less optimistic. Anyone trying to offload a used Tesla, Maserati, or hybrid SUV may be in for a surprise, especially compared to the sky-high values seen in 2021 and 2022. But for buyers, particularly those hunting for an electric deal, 2025 may be the best time in years to find one. About the Author Elijah Nicholson-Messmer View Profile
Daily Mail
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Ivanka Trump parties with nepo baby model who made hateful claim against dad Donald
It seems as though Ivanka Trump doesn't hold a grudge, as the First Daughter was spotted partying with a nepo baby who previously made a hateful claim against her dad. Photographers caught the blonde beauty, 43, enjoying a night out in New York City with her husband, Jared Kushner, on Thursday evening. The couple attended the birthday celebration of his brother Joshua Kushner at Katz's Deli in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. They rubbed shoulders with a slew of famous faces at the party - including Cindy Crawford, her husband, Rande Gerber, and their model daughter Kaia Gerber. Kaia, 23, famously spoke out against Ivanka's father Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 election. She shared a strong-worded post to social media in October 2024 encouraging her followers to vote for his competition, Kamala Harris. The brunette beauty wrote at the time, 'In the words of Michelle Obama, "If we don't get this election right, your wife, your daughter, your mother, we as women will become collateral damage to your rage. So are you, as men, prepared to look into the eyes of the women you love and tell them you supported this assault?"' Kaia added, 'Right answers only. VOTE!!!!!!!' alongside a snap of her posing with her mail-in ballot that showed she had indeed voted for Kamala, as well as a collage of images of the former Vice President at a rally. Ivanka and Kaia seemed to put their past differences aside as they celebrated Joshua's birthday together in Manhattan. Katz's Deli is best known for being featured in the beloved 1989 film When Harry met Sally. It acted as the backdrop for the iconic scene where Meg Ryan 's character Sally faked an orgasm while sitting across from Billy Crystal's Harry, which was followed by the now-famous line: 'I'll have what she's having.' Ivanka flaunted her toned figure for the occasion, donning a tiny black gown that left her long legs on full display. The dress featured a plunging neckline, tight bodice and ruffled skirt. She accessorized with a black clutch, some flashy earrings, and strappy heeled sandals. Jared, for his part, wore some black trousers, blue sweater and black dress shoes. A bleary-eyed Ivanka walked hand-in-hand with her husband as they exited the acclaimed eatery. As for Kaia, she opted for a haltered, red, polka-dot midi dress and white flats that showcased her svelte physique. She shared a strong-worded post to social media in October 2024 encouraging her followers to vote for his competition, Kamala Harris Birthday boy Joshua, 40, donned black jeans, a white T-shirt, and an unbuttoned black shirt, while his wife, Karlie Kloss, 32, sported a chic black dress that had a thigh-high slit Cindy, 59, dressed casually for the party, opting for a pair of blue jeans and a black top that she tucked into the bottoms. Her husband Rande, 63, wore a black, button-down shirt, gray jeans, and matching gray sneakers. Cindy became one of the world's most popular supermodels in the '80s and '90s and Kaia has been following in her footsteps ever since. She has also dabbled in acting with roles in American Horror Story and the 2024 dark comedy Shell. Also at the party was Joshua's wife, Karlie Kloss, as well as musician Diplo and acclaimed fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg. Birthday boy Joshua, 40, donned black jeans, a white T-shirt, and an unbuttoned black shirt, while his wife, 32, who is currently expecting her third child, sported a chic black dress that had off-the-shoulder sleeves and a thigh-high slit.
