SAG-AFTRA members have voted to approve the agreement, officially bringing the strike to an end

The SAG-AFTRA union members have overwhelmingly approved the 2025 SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Video Game Agreement, effectively bringing the video game industry strike to a close with 95.04% of the membership voting for the deal.

This new contract introduces a 15.17% salary increase upon implementation, along with an additional 3% raise spread over the next three years, beginning in November 2025. Overtime compensation for overscale performers will now be calculated on a double scale basis.

Contributions to the AFTRA Retirement Fund for health and retirement will increase from 16.5% to 17%, with a further rise to 17.5% scheduled for October 2026.

The agreement also sets forth "safety guardrails and gains around AI," including the necessity for "consent and disclosure" regarding the use of AI digital replicas and a provision allowing performers to withdraw consent for creating new content during a strike.

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA's national executive director and chief negotiator, expressed gratitude to the performers and allies who persevered throughout the 11-month strike. He also thanked the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee and its chair, Sarah Elmaleh, for their dedication over nearly three years to secure these essential advances and safeguards.

Moreover, Crabtree-Ireland emphasized that ratifying the agreement allows video game performers to benefit from significant improvements and AI protections, which will be further enhanced as the technology progresses.

Speaking for the video game producers included in the agreement, spokesperson Audrey Cooling remarked, "We are pleased that SAG-AFTRA members have ratified a new Interactive Media Agreement, which delivers historic wage increases, industry-leading AI protections, and enhanced health and safety measures for performers."

Cooling also highlighted the anticipation of continuing a long-standing partnership with the union to produce groundbreaking entertainment for millions of gamers around the globe.

Back in September 2023, a significant 98% of SAG-AFTRA members supported a strike authorization against companies such as Activision Productions, EA Productions, Insomniac Games, and Take 2 Productions, seeking to safeguard performers' rights concerning AI and job stability.

In recent developments, SAG-AFTRA's national board approved a preliminary agreement negotiated in collaboration with major gaming companies involved in the Interactive Media Contract, effectively concluding the strike.