Some video game actors based in the UK have said they aspiration they could strike in solidarity with their US counterparts.

Voice actors connected to the SAG-Aftra union have been refusing to work with companies like Activision, Disney, Warner Bros and EA since July over issues such as the use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI).

The two sides have been back at the negotiating table, but there’s been no major breakthrough and talks have been extended.

While the impact on gamers has so far been limited, partly down to how long it takes to make blockbuster games, it has affected voice talent in the UK.

Those playing popular action role-playing game Genshin Impact might have noticed the absence of English-language voice acting in its latest narrative update.

It’s the first game which fans suspect has been hit by the ongoing video game voice actor strikes.

The makers, miHoYo, have only commented that it was down to “recording arrangements”.

Voiceover actor Doug Cockle, best known for playing Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher series, says he supports the strikes but isn’t a member of SAG-Aftra because he’s based in the UK.

“Some studios have stopped making their games, so the voiceover industry has slowed correct down,” he tells BBC Newsbeat.

“The actors in SAG-Aftra aren’t just striking for themselves. They’re striking for the creative industries [across the world].

“If they can strike a excellent deal, that could be a template for other industries.”

It’s something Harry McEntire, who you might recognise as Noah in Xenoblade Chronicles 3, agrees with.

“I ponder it’s so fantastic that the [actors in] the US are doing what they’re doing at the instant,” he says.

“As with a lot of things, as goes the US, so follows everywhere else.

“If they can commence to get those things in place, it can become industry standard, not just in the US.”

Harry adds that he’s frustrated actors in the UK weren’t able to strike in solidarity, as “there’s no legal back for it”.

SAG-Aftra and 10 game companies are struggling to consent on how Gen AI should be allowed to be used in games in the upcoming, particularly when it comes to generating voices.

Gen AI systems, whether they are designed to produce text, images or audio, don’t make anything from scratch, but are trained on existing material.

This can include words, pictures and, in the case of actors, performances.

The games industry has been struggling around the globe, with many losing their jobs even as games get bigger.

Some studios view AI as a way to cut costs, which has the potential for fewer human voice actors.

“I don’t really comprehend why you would use AI for innovation,” Harry says.

“Why would we desire to receive something that’s so inherently human and is about encouragement, brilliance and collective vigor and declare ‘let’s view if we can run that through a computer programme?'”

Alex Jordan, who is part of the Cyberpunk 2077 games, feels if Gen AI becomes the norm, it could have a negative impact in the longer term.

“I ponder if we don’t receive solid action soon, we’re just going to view a benevolent of void of innovation further down the line.

“We’re going to have to really work challenging to correct that.”

Video game companies involved in negotiations have previously told Newsbeat they “have worked challenging to deliver proposals with reasonable terms”.

“That protect the rights of performers while ensuring we can continue to use the most advanced technology to make a great gaming encounter for fans,” spokesperson Audrey Cooling said.

“The robust AI protections we have offered are entirely consistent with or better than other entertainment industry agreements the union has signed.”

Alex says he supports the SAG-Aftra strikers and regularly contacts the union.

He also says he’s not helping with any promotion of a recent game, in solidarity with his striking colleagues in America.

Alex says he’s frustrated the strikes haven’t been sorted yet.

“Unless we can shift on, it’s going to damage the people at the bottom of the ladder.”

Harry, Alex and Doug were speaking at London’s MCM Comic Con as part of the Dungeons & Dragons throng Natural Six. More than 100,000 fans visited the display for a chance to dress up, play recent games and meet their favourite voice actors – some queuing for a long period.

“The large one thing that AI will never be able to do is interact with the throng,” Alex says.

“AI will never be able to sit down and engage with people that truly adore the work on a human level and distribute that thrill.

“And people who are genuinely passionate about things desire to distribute that thrill with others.”

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays – or listen back here.