SAG-AFTRA introduces new agreements allowing members to collaborate with students and participate in game jams

The union representing 160,000 media professionals, SAG-AFTRA, has introduced two new agreements enabling its members to collaborate with students and on game jams.

These agreements, known as the Student Interactive Waiver Agreement and the Game Jam Waiver Agreement, allow video game creators, regardless of career level, to engage with union performers amid an ongoing video game strike.

The Student Interactive Waiver targets students enrolled in accredited U.S. video game courses who are developing projects fully within the country, thus allowing them to work with SAG-AFTRA performers to fulfill course obligations.

Conversely, the Game Jam Waiver accommodates developers involved in game jams, permitting collaboration with union performers as long as recordings do not predate the event. Fees may be deferred as long as the project remains non-commercial.

If a project originating from a game jam starts earning revenue, SAG-AFTRA pledges to collaborate with developers to align the project with the relevant agreement.

"These new agreements enable support for game developers desiring to work with union professionals and enhance their knowledge of producing games under union contracts," stated Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA's national executive director and chief negotiator.

"Our members are enthusiastic about this field and wish to engage in projects shaping the future of video games."

SAG-AFTRA's decision to strike, voted at the end of July, followed stalled negotiations with the industry group concerning rights and protection amid advancing AI technologies.

This month, an update was released, noting continued significant gaps between SAG-AFTRA and major game publishers and studios. This followed reports that two voice actors from Zenless Zone Zero were recast due to their participation in the strikes.