The national board of the union representing video game performers Thursday approved a tentative agreement with a coalition of video game companies.
The proposal will now be submitted to SAG-AFTRA members for ratification.
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland announced Wednesday the strike that began in late 2024 was being officially suspended, and all performers were “instructed to return to work on productions under the (Interactive Media Agreement), including work promoting or publicizing projects produced under the IMA.”
If ratified by video game performers, the agreement would provide increases in performer compensation at a rate of 15.17% upon ratification, plus 3% increases each November in 2025, 2026 and 2027. The overtime rate maximum for overscale performers will be based on double scale. The health and retirement contribution rates to the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan will be raised from 16.5% to 17% upon ratification and to 17.5% in October 2026, the union said.
The labor dispute largely focused on protections for actors from the emergence of artificial intelligence technology. The union said that without protections for its members, gaming companies could train AI to replicate an actor’s voice, or create a digital replica of their likeness without consent or fair compensation.
According to SAG-AFTRA, the contract proposal “accomplishes important guardrails and gains around AI, including the requirement of informed consent across various AI uses and the ability for performers to suspend informed consent for Digital Replica use during a strike.” It also includes “the establishment of collectively bargained minimums” for the use of Digital Replicas.
“Essential new safety provisions were also secured, including a requirement for a qualified medical professional to be present or readily available at rehearsals and performances during which hazardous actions or working conditions are planned,” according to the union. “Rest periods are now provided for on-camera principal performers and employers can no longer request that performers complete stunts or other dangerous activity in virtual auditions.”
Eligible SAG-AFTRA members will have until 5 p.m. July 9 to cast their ratification vote.
Video game companies targeted by the strike included 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.
Audrey Cooling, spokeswoman for the video game producers, issued a statement saying, “We are pleased to have reached a tentative contract agreement that reflects the important contributions of SAG-AFTRA-represented performers in video games.”
“This agreement builds on three decades of successful partnership between the interactive entertainment industry and the union. It delivers historic wage increases of over 24% for performers, enhanced health and safety protections, and industry-leading AI provisions requiring transparency, consent and compensation for the use of digital replicas in games.
“We look forward to continuing to work with performers to create new and engaging entertainment experiences for billions of players throughout the world.”
The previous Interactive Media Agreement expired in November 2022. It covers performers doing voice-over and motion-capture work in the video game industry.
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