The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has announced the end of its strike against major video game companies. The union reached a tentative agreement following negotiations, leading to the suspension of the nearly year-long work stoppage.
Key demands from the actors included protection from the use of generative AI in voice work and significant pay raises. The new agreement includes a substantial 24% increase in compensation, described as a record for the industry. It also addresses AI use, outlining requirements for studios such as actor consent, compensation, limited application, and specific terms regarding the duration of licenses for voice replication. The agreement also secures improvements in health and safety conditions.
The strike, which began in 2024, lasted over 300 days. SAG-AFTRA is set to finalize the contract in the coming days with numerous major video game and entertainment companies, including Activision, Disney, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Formosa Interactive (known for work like the voice lines removed from new League of Legends skins due to the strike), Insomniac Games, Take-Two, and Warner Bros. Games. Following the agreement, the union has permitted actors to resume their work.
Finley Holt