On July 26, 2024, SAG-AFTRA called a strike on several major video game companies. Like the 20203 strike against AMPTP, a major sticking point of this battle was over the ethical use of AI technology in the industry. Namely, AI’s uncanny ability to reproduce performers, alive or dead, with or without their consent.
SAG-AFTRA and these companies have reached a tentative new Interactive Media Contract on the matter.
“It is expected the terms of a strike suspension agreement will be finalized with employers soon,” SAG-AFTRA wrote in a statement. “Until such agreement is reached, however, SAG-AFTRA members will remain on strike against these employers.”
If this agreement is accepted, it will end the strike against Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Epic Games Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Take 2 Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc..
SAG-AFTRA’s Reactions To The New Deal
“Everyone at SAG-AFTRA is immensely grateful for the sacrifices made by video game performers and the dedication of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee throughout these many months of the video game strike,” says Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator “Patience and persistence has resulted in a deal that puts in place the necessary A.I. guardrails that defend performers’ livelihoods in the A.I. age, alongside other important gains. Thank you, Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Chair Sarah Elmaleh and Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez for your hard work and advocacy in pursuit of this contract.”
“Our video game performers stood strong against the biggest employers in one of the world’s most lucrative industries,” says Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA President. “Their incredible courage and persistence, combined with the tireless work of our negotiating committee, has at last secured a deal. The needle has been moved forward and we are much better off than before. As soon as this is ratified we roll up our sleeves and begin to plan the next negotiation. Every contract is a work in progress and progress is the name of the game.”
Specific details of this agreement are not public at this time. The deal still needs to be reviewed and approved by the National Board and ratified by the members. A process that is expected to take place in the coming weeks. Given how tentative this new Interactive Media Contract is, workers are still considered to be on strike.
We’ll keep you posted on updates about the possible agreement between SAG-AFTRA and video game developers as the situation develops.
