SAG-AFTRA has revealed the introduction of a fourth tier to its updated independent developer contract
SAG-AFTRA has introduced an expanded tier in its Independent Interactive Media Agreement.
This addition applies to studios with project budgets ranging from $15 million to $30 million. These studios will now benefit from union coverage, safeguards against AI misuse, and access to union voice actors and performers.
Actors under this agreement will receive informed consent and compensation for using digital replicas of their performances. Additional payments tied to the number of units sold will also be provided.
The Independent Interactive Media Agreement, initially rolled out in February, covered projects across three budget categories, from $250,000 to $15 million.
"Expanding the agreement's scope allows more projects to enjoy the expertise of union performers while offering more job opportunities with union contract benefits and protections, including crucial AI safeguards," commented Sarah Elmaleh, voice actor and chairperson of SAG-AFTRA's Interactive Media Agreement negotiating committee.
Elmaleh added, "Our goal as a union is to craft contracts and waivers that promote collaboration between actors and developers across all budget sizes. Each of the thousands of video games released annually deserves the advantages offered by union talent."
Last September, SAG-AFTRA members voted in favor of authorizing a strike for video game actors and performers. However, negotiations with game companies like Activision, Electronic Arts, and Warner Bros. regarding the Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement did not yield an agreement.
Earlier this month, GamesIndustry.biz held an interview with Elmaleh and SAG-AFTRA's executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, who attributed the delays in negotiations to discussions surrounding AI protections.
"For progress without resulting in a strike, these companies need to reassess their stance on splitting off our members and ensuring protections for all," stated Crabtree-Ireland. "This is the path to resolving the issue satisfactorily."
