Update: SAG-AFTRA suspends strike and instructs union members to return to work
Update (06/12/25): SAG-AFTRA has suspended its strike against major studios and instructed union members to return to work on productions under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA).
The performer union—which had been striking against game studios signed to the IMA to secure better AI protections and working conditions—earlier this week announced it would be suspending strike action after reaching a tentative agreement that includes “AI guardrails.” It has now made good on that pledge.
“All SAG-AFTRA members are instructed to return to work on productions under the IMA, including work promoting or publicizing projects produced under the IMA,” reads a brief statement published by the union.
“The SAG-AFTRA National Board will meet in special session tomorrow, June 12, 2025, to consider the tentative agreement. If approved, it will be sent out for ratification by the union’s membership in accordance with established policy. Details of the agreement will be released at that time.”
Original story: Performer union SAG-AFTRA is close to suspending strike action after reaching a tentative agreement with major game studios that will deliver important AI guardrails.
SAG-AFTRA actors in the game industry have been striking since July 26, 2024, in search of better working conditions and AI protections for members.
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The union has been negotiating with a cohort of video game companies who work with performers under the Interactive Media Agreement. That group includes major players like Activision Productions, Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Epic Games, Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games, Take 2 Productions, and WB Games.
Negotiations have been protracted, with SAG-AFTRA previously lambasting those studios for including “alarming loopholes” in their AI proposals.
“The last proposal the bargaining group made is still filled with alarming loopholes that will leave our members vulnerable to AI abuse,” said SAG-AFTRA in March. “The union recently submitted a counter to this proposal that diligently addresses all of the loopholes and would result in a contract that offers the minimum protections our members need in order to maintain sustainable careers as video game performers.”
A tentative agreement between SAG-AFTRA and the studiosSubstantial progress has been made since then, however, with SAG-AFTRA explaining the tentative agreement “puts in place the necessary AI guardrails that defend performers’ livelihoods in the A.I. age, alongside other important gains.”
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SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher applauded the resolve of striking performers.
“Our video game performers stood strong against the biggest employers in one of the world’s most lucrative industries. Their incredible courage and persistence, combined with the tireless work of our negotiating committee, has at last secured a deal,” she added.
“The needle has been moved forward and we are much better off than before. As soon as this is ratified we 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.”
SAG-AFTRA members will remain on strike until a strike suspension agreement is finalized with employers. Terms are expected to be agreed soon.
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Senior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.com
Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.
