The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has announced the conclusion of its strike in the video game industry, having reached a tentative agreement following successful negotiations.
The actors` primary demands centered on protection against the use of generative artificial intelligence for character voice work and an increase in compensation. As a result of the talks, a deal was struck that includes a substantial 24% rise in rates, improvements to health and safety provisions, and clear regulations concerning the use of AI by studios. These new rules specify compensation for actors, limitations on how much their voices can be used by AI, and the requirement for licenses covering their voices to have defined expiration dates.
The strike, which commenced in 2024, lasted for over 300 days, approximately ten months. A new contract is anticipated to be signed shortly with a multitude of prominent gaming and entertainment companies, including Activision, Disney, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Insomniac Games, Take-Two, Warner Bros. Games, and many others. The union has already given permission for performers to resume their work.