SAG-AFTRA Video Game Deal: Tentative Agreement Reached
- A tentative agreement has been reached between SAG-AFTRA and major video game labels, possibly ending the actors' strike that began July 16, 2024.The Interactive Media Contract covers companies...
- The core issue of the strike revolved around the use of AI replicas and ensuring consent and fair compensation for performers.
- Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator, said the agreement puts in place "the necessary AI guardrails that defend performers’ livelihoods in the AI age, alongside...
SAG-AFTRA and major video game companies have reached a tentative agreement, possibly ending the actors’ strike that began in July 2024.This deal addresses key concerns including the use of AI replicas and fair compensation, marking a significant step forward for performers. The Interactive Media Contract covers major players like Activision, Electronic Arts, and Epic Games. Negotiations began in 2022 after the union sought strike authorization over AI safeguards. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland of SAG-AFTRA highlighted critical gains to defend performers’ livelihoods.With this pivotal growth,SAG-AFTRA members will soon vote on ratification,setting new standards. News Directory 3 reports on this breaking story and the implications for the industry. Discover what’s next as the final details and outcome unfold.
Tentative Deal Reached in Video Game Actors’ Strike
A tentative agreement has been reached between SAG-AFTRA and major video game labels, possibly ending the actors’ strike that began July 16, 2024.The Interactive Media Contract covers companies including 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.
The core issue of the strike revolved around the use of AI replicas and ensuring consent and fair compensation for performers. Negotiations for the new agreement started in October 2022, with the union seeking strike authorization last September; members approved the work stoppage with a 98.32% vote.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator, said the agreement puts in place “the necessary AI guardrails that defend performers’ livelihoods in the AI age, alongside other critically important gains.”
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher lauded the “amazing courage and persistence” of the video game performers. “The needle has been moved forward and we are much better off than before,” Drescher said.
The terms of the deal will be reviewed by SAG’s National Board and then put to a vote by SAG-AFTRA members. Details will be released with the ratification materials. A strike suspension agreement with the video game companies is expected soon, but SAG-AFTRA members will remain on strike until a final deal is reached.
what’s next
In the coming weeks, SAG-AFTRA members will vote on whether to ratify the tentative agreement, potentially bringing an end to the long-running video game actors’ strike and setting new standards for AI usage and compensation in the industry.