The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has reached a preliminary agreement on the interactive media contract, potentially concluding nearly a year of labor disputes across the video game industry.
The work stoppage affecting voice actors began in July 2024 after failed negotiations between the union and major gaming corporations—including Activision, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Take 2 Productions, and WB Games—regarding AI protections. Over 98% of union members voted to authorize the strike.
While initial industry impacts were unclear, players soon noticed consequences—several live-service titles like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft reportedly featured silent NPCs in normally voiced sequences. Later developments saw SAG-AFTRA extend action against Riot Games after alleged strike circumvention attempts, while Activision confirmed voice actor recasting for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 following fan concerns.
The union's announcement of tentative terms remains contingent on national board approval. While strike suspension appears imminent, labor actions continue pending final ratification.
"Our members' dedication throughout this prolonged negotiation has been extraordinary," stated SAG-AFTRA National executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. "Their perseverance secured essential AI protections safeguarding performers' careers alongside significant contractual improvements."
SAG-AFTRA filed NLRB charges against Epic Games following Fortnite's implementation of an AI-generated Darth Vader character. The complaint alleges Epic subsidiary Llama Productions negotiated in bad faith, implementing unauthorized AI replacements for union voice work.
In March, Horizon actor Ashly Burch addressed concerns about unauthorized AI replicas after leaked footage featured synthetic Aloy dialogue. Burch emphasized strikers' core demands: "Consent for AI recreations, fair compensation, and transparency about digital replica usage."
"My concern isn't technological advancement itself," Burch explained. "It's the potential erosion of artistic integrity and performers' rights. Without proper safeguards, future actors may lack recourse against unauthorized digital replicas—a prospect that threatens our industry's creative future."
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