In a significant development for the video game industry, the union representing performers in video games has reached a tentative agreement with leading game companies. This deal comes after a strike that began late in 2024 and focuses on issues such as compensation, health benefits, safety measures, and artificial intelligence protections. If ratified by members, it will introduce substantial pay increases, enhanced healthcare contributions, and safeguards regarding AI technology use. The agreement also mandates informed consent for digital replica usage and ensures better working conditions through added safety protocols.
Detailed Report of the New Agreement
On a remarkable Thursday, amidst the bustling world of gaming entertainment, the national board of the union representing video game performers achieved a landmark tentative agreement with several prominent video game companies. Following this breakthrough, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA's National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, announced the official suspension of the strike initiated at the end of 2024. All performers were encouraged to return to their projects under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA), which includes promotional work.
This proposed agreement offers an impressive performer compensation increase of 15.17% upon ratification, along with additional 3% increments annually until 2027. Furthermore, the maximum overtime rate for overscale performers will be set at double scale. Health and retirement contribution rates to the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan are scheduled to rise from 16.5% to 17% upon ratification and then to 17.5% by October 2026.
A key focus of the labor dispute revolved around ensuring adequate protection for actors against emerging artificial intelligence technologies. The contract proposal establishes important regulations concerning AI, demanding informed consent for various AI applications and allowing performers to suspend such consent during strikes. It also introduces collectively bargained minimum standards for the utilization of Digital Replicas.
New safety provisions have been secured, requiring the presence or availability of a qualified medical professional during rehearsals and performances involving hazardous actions. Rest periods are now provided for on-camera principal performers, and employers cannot request performers to undertake stunts or dangerous activities during virtual auditions.
SAG-AFTRA members eligible to vote will have until 5 p.m. on July 9 to cast their ballots for ratification. The targeted video game companies include 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.
Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game producers, expressed satisfaction with the tentative contract agreement, highlighting its reflection of the crucial contributions made by SAG-AFTRA-represented performers within the video game realm.
This agreement builds on three decades of successful collaboration between the interactive entertainment industry and the union, delivering historic wage hikes exceeding 24%, improved health and safety protections, and industry-leading AI provisions ensuring transparency, consent, and fair compensation for digital replica usage in games.
The previous Interactive Media Agreement had expired in November 2022, covering voice-over and motion-capture work in the video game sector.
From a journalist's perspective, this agreement signifies a pivotal moment for performers in the video game industry. It not only addresses immediate concerns about compensation and safety but also anticipates future challenges posed by technological advancements like AI. For readers, this news underscores the importance of unions in advocating for workers' rights in rapidly evolving fields. It serves as a reminder of the necessity for balanced agreements that protect both creative talents and the industries they enrich. This settlement could serve as a model for other sectors grappling with similar issues, emphasizing the value of negotiation and cooperation in achieving equitable outcomes for all parties involved.