Members of the American Screen Actors Guild have reached a preliminary contract agreement with leading gaming companies, which may bring an end to the prolonged video game actors’ strike that has lasted for 11 months.
The SAG-AFTRA union announced the tentative agreement on Monday, though it did not detail the specific terms or the protections it would provide performers. This strike was initiated on July 26th, 2024, following unsuccessful negotiations between the union and a collective of gaming companies, which include major names like Activision, Epic Games, EA, Disney Character Voices, Take-Two, Insomniac Games, and WB Games, primarily over issues related to AI worker protections.
In their announcement, SAG-AFTRA indicated that “the terms of a strike suspension agreement” with employers are expected to be finalized soon. Until that agreement is formally reached, members of SAG-AFTRA will continue their strike against these companies.
The proposed contract still requires approval from the SAG-AFTRA national board and is likely to be put to a ratification vote among union members in the near future. If ratified, the lengthy restrictions that currently prevent around 160,000 SAG-AFTRA members from working on video game projects could be lifted, easing challenges faced in the development of new titles.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s Chief Negotiator, expressed appreciation for the efforts made by video game performers and the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee throughout the strike. “Patience and persistence have led to a deal that establishes crucial protections against AI, safeguarding performers’ livelihoods in the era of artificial intelligence, as well as securing other significant benefits,” he stated in the announcement.
