If you thought that the SAG-AFTRA strike was a thing of the past, we have some not-so-pleasant news that would suggest otherwise.\r\nLast year, the strike has already caused consequences for the production of one of the most anticipated video game adaptations , i.e. the second season of The Last of Us.\r\nThis could not in fact start until the protests were over.\r\nNow, although many were certain that the riots were behind us, Variety has reported that contract discussions between major video game companies around the world have stalled and that if significant efforts are not made to reach an agreement, a strike could be called again.\r\nThe reason is – of course – still once linked to the use of artificial intelligence.\r\nSAG-AFTRA members are said to have strong opinions on the way AI is handled and used in the gaming industry, with many members pushing for a ban of this technology in the industry.\r\nSAG-AFTRA National Executive Director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, realizes that this is highly unlikely to happen, but also says that unless guidelines and protections are put in place , a strike will occur.\r\nThis means that actors and voice actors will not lend their talents to the video game industry until the strike is lifted.\r\nWhen asked about the likelihood of a strike, Crabtree- Ireland added: «50-50, or more likely we will go on strike in the next four to six weeks because of our inability to overcome these problems».\r\nAnd he continued: «We want to make sure that the implementation is human-centered and focus on augmenting, not replacing people.”\r\nWe are seeing an increasing use of AI work in the gaming sector (just think of the unfortunate choice of Electronic Arts), so it is not a great surprise to hear that SAG-AFTRA wants to protect its members for the foreseeable future.\r\nObviously, for our part we can only agree with the basis of the protest. We’ll see how the story evolves.\r\nIf you want to support the work of our editorial team, you can buy your favorite video games on Amazon, without any surcharge.