There may finally be an end in sight for the SAG-AFTRA voice actors’ strike

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) appears to have reached a tentative agreement with the various gaming studios and publishers it’s been negotiating with for months.

“[SAG-AFTRA and the gaming companies] have reached a tentative agreement on terms for the Interactive Media Contract, subject to review and approval by the National Board and ratification by the membership in the coming weeks,” the guild announced via a press release on its official website. “Specific details of the agreement will be released with the ratification materials.”

But despite the good news, SAG-AFTRA has made it clear that the strike — which began on July 26, 2024 — will continue until the updated Interactive Media Contract is reviewed and approved by the National Board, and ratified by SAG-AFTRA’s members.

“It is expected the terms of a strike suspension agreement will be finalized with employers soon,” the press release added. “Until such agreement is reached, however, SAG-AFTRA members will remain on strike against these employers.”

A major point of contention in the negotiations has been the use of AI in video game production, especially as it relates to voice-acting. Various games have been impacted by the voice actor’s strike, including games like Destiny 2, League of Legends, and Genshin Impact.

“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,” SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said. “Patience and persistence has resulted in a deal that puts in place the necessary AI guardrails that defend performers’ livelihoods in the AI age, alongside other important gains.”

The game studios and publishers SAG-AFTRA has been negotiating with 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.

“Our video game performers stood strong against the biggest employers in one of the world’s most lucrative industries,” SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said of the agreement. “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 [will] 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.”