SAG-AFTRA Video Game Voice Actors Strike Comes to an End With New Agreement

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The performing artists union, SAG-AFTRA, has shared that they’ve reached a deal with multiple gaming companies such as Take-Two, Activision, Electronic Arts, Insomniac Games, Llama Productions, Warner Bros. Games, and Blindlight, effectively ending the video game voice actors‘ strike. The agreement was approved by 95.04% of SAG-AFTRA members in a vote against 4.96%.

In accordance with the terms of the contract, SAG-AFTRA members will experience a progressive increase in their remuneration. Initially, there will be an uptick of 15.17% upon approval of the deal, followed by an annual increment of 3% from November 2025 until November 2027. Furthermore, the agreement enhances the overtime rate for artists by basing it on twice the standard scale.

One significant point in the strike was SAG-AFTRA members’ concern about safeguarding their jobs in an industry increasingly adopting AI for creative roles. The newly agreed terms introduce protections and benefits concerning AI usage, such as requiring companies to secure consent from performers and disclose intentions to create AI-generated digital counterparts of the artists.

As a gamer, I tip my hat to Sarah Elmaleh, the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Chair, who stood firm through three grueling years of tough negotiations amidst some seriously tough winds during a particularly tricky negotiation period. SAG-AFTRA’s president, Fran Descher, shared this in a press release: “This deal marks significant advancements in AI protections, and progress is what it’s all about! My deepest admiration goes out to the entire video game performer community and their supporters for sticking together during the strike. That solidarity was the key to securing this deal’s numerous vital wins.

A representative from the gaming companies that have agreed to the newly ratified Interactive Media Contract expressed satisfaction. This deal brings about significant salary hikes, superior artificial intelligence protections, and improved health and safety conditions for performers. We eagerly anticipate further strengthening our industry’s long-standing alliance with the union and continuing to produce innovative gaming experiences enjoyed by billions of players globally.

The strike had persisted for nearly a year. In a declaration, the national executive director and lead negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, expressed gratitude towards the union associates and allies who participated in the strike and contributed to garnering support.

The SAG-AFTRA strike, significant as it was for defending union members from advancements in technology such as AI, has simultaneously caused some challenges in game development. For example, Hideo Kojima announced in January that projects like Physint and OD experienced delays due to the strike, with casting for the former even being temporarily halted.

It’s worth noting that among the games under development impacted by the strike, Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 6 was granted an exception. This exemption was verified by a representative of the union as early as July 2024.

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2025-07-10 17:11