SAG-AFTRA Video Game Deal: Strike Update
- SAG-AFTRA and major video game companies have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, potentially ending a nearly year-long strike.
- The performers' union announced the provisional deal Monday night, but details remain scarce.
- The union framed the strike as a defense against AI terms that could allow companies to undermine members and thier positions.
SAG-AFTRA adn major video game companies tentatively agreed to a new contract, potentially ending a strike that began in July 2024. This deal tackles the core issue: the impact of artificial intelligence on performer roles within the video game industry. Details are still emerging, but this agreement aims to establish AI safeguards to protect performers. The strike, which involved many key video game firms, saw rolling protests. Key players, including Duncan Crabtree-Ireland from SAG-AFTRA, and company representatives, shared their perspectives. The union’s national board and its members will vote on the agreement’s ratification. News Directory 3 brings you the latest developments! See how this deal will reshape the game industry.Discover what’s next …
SAG-AFTRA, Video Game Firms Reach Tentative AI Deal to end strike
Updated June 10, 2025
SAG-AFTRA and major video game companies have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, potentially ending a nearly year-long strike. The central issue of the strike revolved around the use of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on performer roles within the industry.
The performers’ union announced the provisional deal Monday night, but details remain scarce. the strike, impacting video game firms such as Activision Productions, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Formosa interactive, Insomniac Games, WB Games, and Take 2 Productions as July 2024, will continue until a strike suspension agreement is finalized.
The union framed the strike as a defense against AI terms that could allow companies to undermine members and thier positions. In March, SAG-AFTRA criticized “alarming loopholes” in the companies’ AI proposals.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator, stated the deal “puts in place the necessary A.I. guardrails that defend performers’ livelihoods in the A.I. age, alongside other important gains.”
Conversely, a representative for the companies claimed the union “chose to walk away” despite reaching common ground on 24 of 25 proposals.
The strike included rolling protests at company offices in the Los Angeles area, including burbank and Santa monica.
Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA president, acknowledged the agreement as “a work in progress,” adding that planning for the next negotiation cycle will begin immediately after this one concludes. The union’s national board must still weigh in on the deal, and members will vote on ratification before it takes effect. The length of the strike underscores the high stakes surrounding AI in the game industry.
ray Rodriguez, chief contracts officer, also led negotiations for the union. William E. Zuckerman, managing partner of Kauff McGuire & Margolis, bargained on behalf of the employers.
What’s next
Union members will closely examine the agreement’s summary upon release. The ratification vote will determine the future of performer contracts and AI usage in the video game industry.