With a tentative labor agreement under review, the union representing video game performers officially suspended its strike Wednesday, pending final approval of the proposal.
The SAG-AFTRA actors union announced Monday night that a tentative agreement had been reached with a coalition of video game companies. The proposal is scheduled to be reviewed by the union’s National Board on Thursday, and if the board endorses it, it will be sent to union members for ratification.
With those steps being taken, 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.”
No details of the proposed labor agreement will be released until it is sent to members for ratification.
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.
“Everyone at SAG-AFTRA is immensely grateful for the sacrifices made by video game performers and the dedication of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee throughout these many months of the video game strike,” Crabtree-Ireland said in a statement Monday announcing the tentative labor deal. “Patience and persistence has resulted in a deal that puts in place the necessary A.I. guardrails that defend performers’ livelihoods in the A.I. age, alongside other important gains.”
Union President Fran Drescher added: “Our video game performers stood strong against the biggest employers in one of the world’s most lucrative industries. Their incredible courage and persistence, combined with the tireless work of our negotiating committee, has at last secured a deal. The needle has been moved forward and we are much better off than before. As soon as this is ratified we roll up our sleeves and begin to plan the next negotiation. Every contract is a work in progress and progress is the name of the game.”
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.