By Gavin Boyle
Now a month away from being a year-long strike, major video game studios and SAG-AFTRA have reached a tentative deal, coming to an agreement on AI regulations.
“Our video game performers stood strong against the biggest employers in one of the world’s most lucrative industries,” said SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher. “Their incredible courage and persistence, combined with the tireless work of our negotiating committee, has at least 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.”
SAG-AFTRA video game actors went on strike on July 15, 2024, after negotiations between the union and major games studios came to a halt. These negotiations had been ongoing for 18 months and had led to little progress. Similar to the dual writers’ and actors’ strikes of 2023, the main striking point was AI regulation, though fair salaries were also on the table.
“Everyone at SAG-AFTRA is immensely grateful for the sacrifices made by the video game performers and the dedication of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee throughout these many months of the video game strike,” said SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “Patience and persistence has resulted in a deal that puts in place the necessary AI guardrails that defend performers’ livelihoods in the AI age, alongside other important gains.”
Though the deal has been approved by the SAG-AFTRA negotiation committee, it still has to be reviewed by union’s national board and ratified by union members to go into effect. Until the deal it ratified, members will remain on strike.
Related: Hollywood Video Game Actors Go On Strike Over AI Fears
“It is expected the terms of a strike suspension agreement will be finalized with employers soon,” SAG-AFTRA said. “Until such agreement is reached, however, SAG-AFTRA members will remain on strike against these employers.”
The studios that SAG-AFTRA actors have been on strike against include Activision Productions, Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Epic Games, Formosa Interactive, Insomnia Games, Take 2 Productions, and Warner Bros. Games.
While many at these companies have continued their work, key parts of their games have been on pause until the strike is over. These areas include voice acting and motion capture.
It is encouraging to see video game actors receive a payoff for their strike and secure AI protections that will allow them to continue doing what they love for decades more.
Read Next: SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike Drags on Over AI Protections
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