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

Members of SAG-AFTRA have given their approval to the 2025 Interactive Media Video Game Agreement, concluding the video game strike with a 95.04% vote in favor.

The new deal incorporates an initial pay increase of 15.17%, followed by a supplementary 3% rise over the succeeding three years beginning in November 2025. The top overtime rate for overscale performers is now determined by a double scale.

Contributions towards health and retirement to the AFTRA Retirement Fund will elevate from 16.5% to 17%, with another hike to 17.5% planned for October 2026.

The union highlighted that "safety guardrails and benefits around AI" have been secured, including requirements for performer consent and disclosure for the use of AI digital replicas and allowing performers to withdraw consent for generating new material during a strike.

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA national executive director and lead negotiator, remarked: "A heartfelt thanks to the video game performers and allies who made numerous sacrifices throughout the 11-month strike."

He acknowledged the "Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee and its chair, Sarah Elmaleh, for their nearly three-year effort to secure pivotal gains and protections, alongside lead negotiator Ray Rodriguez."

He added: "With the agreement now ratified, video game performers can look forward to significant benefits and crucial AI protections, which we aim to expand as technology changes."

Video game producers’ spokesperson, Audrey Cooling, stated: "We are glad that SAG-AFTRA members have approved a new Interactive Media Agreement that offers landmark wage increases, leading AI protections, and improved health and safety measures for performers."

"We anticipate continuing our industry’s long-standing collaboration with the union, advancing groundbreaking entertainment for billions of players globally," she expressed.

In September 2023, 98% of SAG-AFTRA's members voted in favor of a strike against companies like Activision Productions, EA Productions, Insomniac Games, and Take 2 Productions to safeguard performers against AI impacts and job security threats.

Last month, SAG-AFTRA's national board endorsed the tentative agreement in collaboration with the convenience bargaining group for the Interactive Media Contract.