SAG-AFTRA Reaches Tentative Deal With Video Game Companies, Voice Actor Strike Ends Soon

SAG-AFTRA has reached a tentative agreement with major video game companies, offering hope that the ongoing voice actors’ strike could finally come to an end. The strike, which has lasted since July 2024, was primarily triggered by concerns over the use of generative AI technology in the gaming industry.

Specifically, performers feared that companies could use AI to replicate their voices indefinitely, without proper compensation or consent for future use.

Under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA), the voice actors have fought for protections against such practices. With the tentative deal now in place, SAG-AFTRA’s national chief executive director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, assures that these new protections will safeguard the livelihoods of performers in an era dominated by artificial intelligence. He emphasized that the agreement brings essential “A.I. guardrails” to ensure actors’ rights are not exploited in the future.

SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher praised the resilience and courage of the performers, noting their determination in negotiating with the industry’s giants. She expressed optimism about the future, saying that the deal represents significant progress, and that the next phase of negotiations will start once this agreement is ratified.

As soon as the details are finalized, which is expected soon, the strike will come to an official close. Until then, performers will remain on strike under the IMA.