Hollywood actors are currently on strike against major video game companies, including Activision, Warner Bros, and Walt Disney, due to concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the gaming industry. This industrial action follows a year and a half of negotiations between the companies and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra), which represents over 2,500 video game performers. While both parties have reached agreements on various issues such as wages and job safety, the use of AI technology remains a significant point of contention.

The performers are particularly worried that generative AI could be employed to replicate their voices and physical appearances, allowing studios to animate video game characters without providing fair compensation. Sag-Aftra has expressed that, despite progress on other matters, the employers have not clearly committed to protecting performers in relation to AI usage. The union stated, “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members,” highlighting their determination to secure adequate protections.

In response, the video game studios have argued that they have already made substantial concessions to address the union’s concerns. Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the negotiating companies, expressed disappointment over the union’s decision to walk away from negotiations, asserting that their offer includes meaningful AI protections. This proposal requires consent and fair compensation for all performers involved in the Interactive Media Agreement, which governs voiceover and on-camera work for video game characters.

The Interactive Media Agreement has been in place since before November 2022, when the previous contract expired without AI protections. It has since been extended on a month-to-month basis while discussions continue. Last year, Sag-Aftra successfully negotiated significant gains for TV and film actors, including $1 billion in new pay and benefits, alongside safeguards against the misuse of AI. This historic strike lasted 118 days, marking the longest shutdown in the union’s 90-year history.

The combined impact of the actors’ strike and a separate writers’ strike severely disrupted film and television production, resulting in an estimated economic loss of over $6.5 billion for California. As the gaming industry faces similar challenges, the outcome of the current strike could have lasting implications for the future of performers in both the gaming and entertainment sectors.

Original news source: Actors go on strike over video games AI threat (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Students will act out key terms related to the article without speaking, while their classmates guess what they are. Terms may include “strike,” “AI,” “video game,” “negotiation,” and “union.”

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Students will be divided into groups and given statements related to AI in the gaming industry (e.g., “AI is beneficial for video game development”). They will discuss and vote on their opinions, then share the results with the class.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: Students will create a mind map on the board that visually represents the main ideas and themes of the article, including the concerns of the actors, the role of AI, and the implications of the strike.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students will work in pairs to create catchy headlines summarizing the article’s content. They will then share their headlines with the class and discuss the impact of different word choices.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: In small groups, students will discuss and predict the future implications of the actors’ strike and the use of AI in the gaming industry. They will present their predictions to the class, supporting them with reasons based on the article.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What are the main concerns that Hollywood actors have regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the gaming industry?
2. How many video game performers are represented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra)?
3. What significant agreements have been reached between the actors and the video game companies, aside from the issue of AI?
4. What specific protections does Sag-Aftra seek for its members in relation to AI usage?
5. What arguments did the video game studios present in response to the union’s concerns about AI?
6. What is the Interactive Media Agreement, and what has been its status since November 2022?
7. How did the previous strike by Sag-Aftra impact the entertainment industry, particularly in terms of economic loss?
8. What potential implications could the outcome of the current strike have for performers in both the gaming and entertainment sectors?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Hollywood actors are currently on strike against major video game companies, including Activision, Warner Bros, and Walt Disney, due to (1)______ regarding the use of artificial (2)______ (AI) in the (3)______ industry. This industrial action follows a year and a half of negotiations between the companies and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra), which represents over 2,500 video game (4)______. While both parties have reached agreements on various issues such as wages and job safety, the use of AI technology remains a significant point of contention.

The performers are particularly worried that (5)______ AI could be (6)______ to replicate their (7)______ and physical appearances, allowing studios to animate video game characters without providing fair compensation. Sag-Aftra has expressed that, despite progress on other matters, the employers have not clearly committed to protecting performers in relation to AI usage. The union stated, “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members,” highlighting their determination to secure adequate protections.

In response, the video game studios have (8)______ that they have already made substantial concessions to address the union’s concerns. Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the negotiating companies, expressed disappointment over the union’s decision to walk away from negotiations, asserting that their offer includes meaningful AI protections. This proposal requires (9)______ and fair compensation for all performers involved in the Interactive Media Agreement, which governs (10)______ and on-camera work for video game characters.

The Interactive Media Agreement has been in place since before November 2022, when the previous (11)______ expired without AI protections. It has since been extended on a month-to-month (12)______ while discussions continue. Last year, Sag-Aftra successfully negotiated significant gains for TV and film actors, including $1 billion in new pay and benefits, alongside safeguards against the (13)______ of AI. This historic strike lasted 118 days, marking the longest shutdown in the union’s 90-year history.

The combined impact of the actors’ strike and a separate writers’ strike severely disrupted film and television production, resulting in an estimated economic loss of over $6.5 billion for California. As the gaming industry (14)______ similar (15)______, the outcome of the current strike could have lasting implications for the future of performers in both the gaming and (16)______ sectors.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the use of artificial intelligence in creative industries like gaming and film?

2. How would you feel if your voice or likeness was used in a video game without your consent?

3. Do you think performers should have more rights when it comes to the use of AI technology in their work? Why or why not?

4. What is a fair way to compensate performers whose voices or images are used in AI-generated content?

5. Have you ever participated in a strike or protest for something you believe in? How did it feel?

6. Do you think the concerns raised by the Screen Actors Guild regarding AI are valid? Why or why not?

7. How would you react if a company used AI to replicate your work without giving you credit or compensation?

8. What is a potential benefit of using AI in the gaming industry, despite the concerns of performers?

9. Do you like the idea of AI creating characters and stories in video games? Why or why not?

10. How do you think the outcome of this strike could affect the future of video games and entertainment as a whole?

11. What is your perspective on the balance between technological advancement and the rights of individual creators?

12. How would you feel if you were a performer in the gaming industry and your job was threatened by AI?

13. Do you think that unions like Sag-Aftra play a crucial role in protecting workers’ rights in the age of AI? Why or why not?

14. What is a possible solution to the conflict between video game companies and performers regarding AI usage?

15. How do you envision the future of work in creative industries with the increasing presence of AI technology?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. industrial
2. negotiations
3. contention
4. replicate
5. compensation
6. detriment
7. concessions
8. spokesperson
9. asserting
10. proposal
11. safeguards
12. disrupted
13. implications
14. performers
15. sectors

Meanings:
(A) Stating something confidently and forcefully
(B) A point of disagreement or argument
(C) A plan or suggestion put forward for consideration
(D) Possible effects or consequences
(E) Discussions aimed at reaching an agreement
(F) Harm or damage
(G) Interrupted or caused disorder
(H) To make an exact copy or duplicate
(I) A person who speaks on behalf of an organization
(J) Compromises made to reach an agreement
(K) Related to industry or manufacturing
(L) People who perform, such as actors or musicians
(M) Payment or reward given for services or work
(N) Measures taken to protect against potential harm
(O) Distinct parts or divisions of a larger system or society
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the main reason Hollywood actors are on strike?
(a) Concerns about artificial intelligence in the gaming industry
(b) Disputes over wages
(c) Job safety issues
(d) Working conditions

2. Which organization represents the video game performers involved in the strike?
(a) American Federation of Labor
(b) Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra)
(c) Writers Guild of America
(d) Directors Guild of America

3. What do the performers fear regarding the use of generative AI?
(a) They will lose their jobs entirely
(b) Their voices and appearances could be replicated without fair compensation
(c) The quality of video games will decline
(d) They will be replaced by non-human characters

4. How long have negotiations been ongoing between the actors and video game companies?
(a) Six months
(b) Two years
(c) A year and a half
(d) Three months

5. What significant achievement did Sag-Aftra secure for TV and film actors last year?
(a) A new contract with no restrictions
(b) A reduction in working hours
(c) $1 billion in new pay and benefits
(d) Increased job opportunities

6. What is the Interactive Media Agreement related to?
(a) Movie production schedules
(b) Television show contracts
(c) Streaming rights for films
(d) Voiceover and on-camera work for video game characters

7. How did the actors’ strike and the writers’ strike impact California’s economy?
(a) Boosted the economy significantly
(b) Had no effect on the economy
(c) Increased tourism in the area
(d) Resulted in an estimated economic loss of over $6.5 billion

8. What is the duration of the current strike mentioned in the article?
(a) Ongoing
(b) 30 days
(c) 60 days
(d) 90 days

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The video game studios claim to have made minimal concessions regarding AI protections in their negotiations with the union.
2. The combined impact of the actors’ strike and a separate writers’ strike has resulted in an estimated economic loss of under $6.5 billion for California.
3. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra) represents under 2,500 video game performers.
4. Hollywood actors are on strike against major video game companies due to concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in the gaming industry.
5. The strike follows a year and a half of negotiations between the union and companies like Activision, Warner Bros, and Walt Disney.
6. Performers are particularly concerned that generative AI could replicate their voices and appearances without fair compensation.
7. The Interactive Media Agreement governing voiceover and on-camera work for video game characters has been extended on a month-to-month basis since the previous contract expired in November 2022.
8. Sag-Aftra previously negotiated minimal gains for TV and film actors, including $1 million in new pay and benefits, alongside zero safeguards against AI misuse.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What are the main concerns that Hollywood actors have regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the gaming industry?
2. How has the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra) responded to the use of AI by video game companies?
3. What arguments have video game studios made in response to the actors’ strike and their concerns about AI?
4. What historical context is provided regarding the Interactive Media Agreement and its relation to AI protections?
5. What economic impact has the combined actors’ and writers’ strikes had on California’s film and television production industry?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What are the main concerns that Hollywood actors have regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the gaming industry?
The main concerns are that generative AI could be used to replicate their voices and physical appearances, allowing studios to animate video game characters without providing fair compensation.

2. How many video game performers are represented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra)?
Sag-Aftra represents over 2,500 video game performers.

3. What significant agreements have been reached between the actors and the video game companies, aside from the issue of AI?
Agreements have been reached on various issues such as wages and job safety.

4. What specific protections does Sag-Aftra seek for its members in relation to AI usage?
Sag-Aftra seeks clear commitments from employers to protect performers in relation to AI usage, ensuring that companies do not abuse AI to the detriment of their members.

5. What arguments did the video game studios present in response to the union’s concerns about AI?
The studios argued that they have made substantial concessions, including a proposal that requires consent and fair compensation for all performers involved in the Interactive Media Agreement.

6. What is the Interactive Media Agreement, and what has been its status since November 2022?
The Interactive Media Agreement governs voiceover and on-camera work for video game characters. Since November 2022, it has been extended on a month-to-month basis while discussions continue, as the previous contract expired without AI protections.

7. How did the previous strike by Sag-Aftra impact the entertainment industry, particularly in terms of economic loss?
The previous strike resulted in an estimated economic loss of over $6.5 billion for California due to severe disruptions in film and television production.

8. What potential implications could the outcome of the current strike have for performers in both the gaming and entertainment sectors?
The outcome of the current strike could have lasting implications for the future of performers in both sectors, particularly regarding protections against the misuse of AI technology.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) concerns
(2) intelligence
(3) gaming
(4) performers
(5) generative
(6) employed
(7) voices
(8) argued
(9) consent
(10) voiceover
(11) contract
(12) basis
(13) misuse
(14) faces
(15) challenges
(16) entertainment
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. industrial
Answer: (K) Related to industry or manufacturing

2. negotiations
Answer: (E) Discussions aimed at reaching an agreement

3. contention
Answer: (B) A point of disagreement or argument

4. replicate
Answer: (H) To make an exact copy or duplicate

5. compensation
Answer: (M) Payment or reward given for services or work

6. detriment
Answer: (F) Harm or damage

7. concessions
Answer: (J) Compromises made to reach an agreement

8. spokesperson
Answer: (I) A person who speaks on behalf of an organization

9. asserting
Answer: (A) Stating something confidently and forcefully

10. proposal
Answer: (C) A plan or suggestion put forward for consideration

11. safeguards
Answer: (N) Measures taken to protect against potential harm

12. disrupted
Answer: (G) Interrupted or caused disorder

13. implications
Answer: (D) Possible effects or consequences

14. performers
Answer: (L) People who perform, such as actors or musicians

15. sectors
Answer: (O) Distinct parts or divisions of a larger system or society
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the main reason Hollywood actors are on strike?
Answer: (a) Concerns about artificial intelligence in the gaming industry

2. Which organization represents the video game performers involved in the strike?
Answer: (b) Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra)

3. What do the performers fear regarding the use of generative AI?
Answer: (b) Their voices and appearances could be replicated without fair compensation

4. How long have negotiations been ongoing between the actors and video game companies?
Answer: (c) A year and a half

5. What significant achievement did Sag-Aftra secure for TV and film actors last year?
Answer: (c) $1 billion in new pay and benefits

6. What is the Interactive Media Agreement related to?
Answer: (d) Voiceover and on-camera work for video game characters

7. How did the actors’ strike and the writers’ strike impact California’s economy?
Answer: (d) Resulted in an estimated economic loss of over $6.5 billion

8. What is the duration of the current strike mentioned in the article?
Answer: (a) Ongoing
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The video game studios claim to have made minimal concessions regarding AI protections in their negotiations with the union. (Answer: False)
2. The combined impact of the actors’ strike and a separate writers’ strike has resulted in an estimated economic loss of under $6.5 billion for California. (Answer: False)
3. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra) represents under 2,500 video game performers. (Answer: False)
4. Hollywood actors are on strike against major video game companies due to concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in the gaming industry. (Answer: True)
5. The strike follows a year and a half of negotiations between the union and companies like Activision, Warner Bros, and Walt Disney. (Answer: True)
6. Performers are particularly concerned that generative AI could replicate their voices and appearances without fair compensation. (Answer: True)
7. The Interactive Media Agreement governing voiceover and on-camera work for video game characters has been extended on a month-to-month basis since the previous contract expired in November 2022. (Answer: True)
8. Sag-Aftra previously negotiated minimal gains for TV and film actors, including $1 million in new pay and benefits, alongside zero safeguards against AI misuse. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧