SAG-AFTRA Strikes Tentative Deal with Video Game Firms on AI Protections for Actors

The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has announced a tentative agreement on the interactive media contract, which could effectively end nearly a year of ongoing industrial action within the video game industry.

The SAG-AFTRA video game strike originally began in July 2024 after negotiations between the union and major game studios—including Activision, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Take 2 Productions, and WB Games—failed to reach consensus on key AI-related provisions. Following that breakdown, over 98% of union members voted in favor of strike authorization.

Initially, the effects of the strike were subtle, making it hard to predict its full impact. However, as time went on, noticeable changes appeared in several live games. Players reported instances where non-playable characters (NPCs) in titles like *Destiny 2* and *World of Warcraft* were left without voiceovers in scenes that typically featured them, likely due to the ongoing labor dispute. Later in the year, SAG-AFTRA escalated its action by striking against Riot Games following allegations that the company attempted to bypass the strike by canceling content. Meanwhile, Activision confirmed that some characters in *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* had been recast due to player concerns over altered voice performances.

Now, SAG-AFTRA has confirmed that a tentative agreement has been reached, though it remains subject to review and approval by the union’s national board. While the formal suspension of the strike is anticipated shortly, all SAG-AFTRA members will technically remain on strike until the final agreement is officially ratified.

“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,” said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator.

“Patience and persistence have resulted in a deal that puts in place the necessary AI guardrails that protect performers’ livelihoods in the age of artificial intelligence, along with other significant advancements.”

In related developments, SAG-AFTRA filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Epic Games after the company deployed an AI-voiced Darth Vader NPC in *Fortnite*. The union alleged that Llama Productions—owned by Epic Games—had failed to engage in good-faith bargaining with SAG-AFTRA's video game actors and had unilaterally implemented AI-generated voices to replace union work in *Fortnite*, violating labor rights.

Additionally, in March, *Horizon* series actor Ashly Burch responded to the leak of an AI-generated Aloy video, using the opportunity to highlight the core demands of the striking voice actors. Burch expressed concern about the broader implications for game performance as an artistic medium.

“What we’re currently fighting for is clear: consent must be obtained before creating an AI version of us in any form, fair compensation must be provided, and we must be informed about how our AI likeness is being used,” Burch explained.

“I’m not worried because the technology exists or because companies want to use it—they always will. What worries me is the possibility that a video like this could be released with someone’s real performance attached, and if we lose this fight, that person would have no legal recourse. No protections. No way to defend themselves. That future makes me deeply sad—it hurts my heart. I love this industry and this art form so much. I want there to be new generations of actors and incredible game performances. But if we don’t win this battle, that future is seriously at risk.”