The 11-month strike between SAG-AFTRA and major video game companies has finally come to an end with the ratification of a new contract. The agreement, known as the 2025 SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement, was approved by SAG-AFTRA members with an overwhelming 95.04% vote in favor.
One of the key aspects of the new contract is the significant increase in performer compensation, with compounded increases of 15.17% upon ratification and additional 3% increases scheduled for November 2025, November 2026, and November 2027. Overtime rate maximums for overscale performers will now be based on double scale, and health and retirement contribution rates to the AFTRA Retirement Fund will be raised from 16.5% to 17% and then to 17.5% in October 2026.
The contract also includes provisions for performer safety, particularly in relation to Generative AI. This includes requirements for consent and disclosure for the use of AI digital replicas and the ability for performers to suspend consent for the generation of new material during a strike.
The end of the strike signifies a shift in the relationship between gaming companies and talent, positioning them on par with traditional Hollywood studios in terms of working with performers. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and chief negotiator, emphasized the importance of the negotiations and the resulting agreement, highlighting the commitment of gaming companies to fair compensation and informed consent.
The agreement was celebrated by both SAG-AFTRA and the video game producers involved, with spokesperson Audrey Cooling expressing satisfaction with the historic wage increases, industry-leading AI protections, and enhanced health and safety measures for performers. Voice actor Sarah Elmaleh, chair of SAG-AFTRA’s Interactive Media Agreement negotiating committee, highlighted the importance of the strike suspension language in ensuring consequences for Generative AI scabs, ultimately securing a crucial aspect of the negotiations.
Overall, the ratification of the new contract marks a significant milestone in the relationship between gaming companies and performers, setting a precedent for fair treatment and ethical practices in the industry. With this agreement in place, both parties look forward to continuing their partnership and creating innovative entertainment experiences for players worldwide. The resolution of the actors union’s strike in the video game industry was a pivotal moment, according to Elmaleh, who described the process as “really new and really unsettling.” The key breakthrough came when both sides were able to come to terms on the contract language, ultimately leading to the end of the strike.
Insiders from the gaming companies revealed to Variety that union talent had been struggling to grasp the core issues at play during the strike. They were puzzled as to why previous versions of the Interactive Media Agreement proposed by the companies were not being accepted by the actors union. SAG-AFTRA clarified that the main reason for this discrepancy was the need for better protections for their members.
Elmaleh emphasized the importance of ensuring that any game that violates the rules is promptly addressed. Whether it involves automatic suspension or active intervention to suspend, the goal is to prevent any disruptions that could undermine the actors’ rights during a strike. This proactive approach is crucial in safeguarding the interests of the union members and maintaining a fair negotiating process.
Overall, the successful resolution of the strike highlights the significance of actors advocating for their rights and working in a style that is true to themselves. By staying true to their values and priorities, the actors union was able to secure a favorable outcome that benefits both its members and the gaming industry as a whole.
