SAG-AFTRA approves 2025 Video Game Agreement, officially concluding its strike

Members of US actors’ union SAG-AFTRA have approved the 2025 Video Game Agreement, officially concluding the strike that began a year ago.

The union stated members voted 95.04 percent in favour of the deal, although it does not specify what proportion of membership voted.

The new contract ensures “safety guardrails” around AI, which includes “consent and disclosure requirements for AI digital replica use and the ability for performers to suspend consent for the generation of new material during a strike”.

The union previously warned of “alarming loopholes” for “AI abuse” in the previous proposal, which was a key reason for the ongoing strike.

In addition, the approved agreement increases compensation rates for performers, as well as the health and retirement contribution rates.

SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher commended the “strong leadership” of negotiating chair Sarah Elmaleh. “This deal achieves important progress around AI protections, and progress is the name of the game!” said Drescher. “My sincere respect goes out to the entire video game performer community and their allies for their solidarity during the strike which provided the necessary leverage to secure this deal’s many essential gains.”