SAG-AFTRA has secured a provisional deal with leading gaming firms to conclude the strike
A tentative deal has been reached by SAG-AFTRA with a group containing major studios and publishers in the industry concerning their Interactive Media Contract.
This deal now awaits a review and sanction by the national board and must also be ratified by the membership council. Further details will be made public following these procedures.
Agreement on the suspension of the strike involving employers is pending completion, and until this is finalized, members of SAG-AFTRA remain on strike.
The entities involved in the negotiations include Activision, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Take 2 Productions, and WB Games.
National executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland of SAG-AFTRA expressed deep appreciation for the video game performers' sacrifices and praised the dedication shown by the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee over the course of the strike.
Crabtree-Ireland stated, "Patience and persistence has resulted in a deal that puts in place the necessary AI guardrails that defend performers' livelihoods in the AI range, alongside other important gains."
He extended gratitude to Sarah Elmaleh, the Interactive Media Agreement negotiating chair, and Ray Rodriguez, the chief contracts officer, for their advocacy and effort in achieving this contract.
"Their incredible courage and persistence [...] has at last secured a deal. The needle has been moved forward and we are much better off than before"
Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA president
Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, remarked on the strength and resolve displayed by video game performers against the major players in the industry.
She acknowledged their bravery and determination, coupled with the negotiating committee's relentless efforts, resulted in a beneficial agreement. Drescher expressed that meaningful progress has been achieved.
Looking ahead, Drescher affirmed, "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."
In September 2023, a strike was authorized by 98% of union members to safeguard video game actors from the encroachment of generative AI and to secure stable employment conditions.
The strike began in July, following prolonged and unresolved discussions over a year and a half regarding the Interactive Media Agreement.
Earlier this year, SAG-AFTRA reported being "frustratingly apart" from the bargaining group through an update on its strike, although the union noted successful agreements with other companies.
They highlighted that 160 upcoming games agreed to their interim and independent arrangements, which include the protections the union seeks from the main bargaining group.
During its continuous negotiations on performer rights and AI, SAG-AFTRA released counterproposals. The proposals addressed the secondary performance payment (SSP) and questioned the criteria under which a 'vocal digital replica' could replace a performer.