SAG-AFTRA has reportedly struck a preliminary deal with the gaming industry negotiators, expressing optimism that their video game workers’ strike might soon be called off. However, specifics of the agreement remain under discussion, and a membership vote is required for approval of the terms to officially end the strike.
Since July 2024, union members and independent voice actors who support the cause have been refusing to work on various video game projects as a form of protest. Their aim is to persuade companies like Activision, Disney, EA, Epic Games, and Insomniac Games to offer stronger safeguards for voice actors regarding AI use. This includes preventing their voices from being utilized without their explicit consent to train artificial intelligence systems.
The initial backing for the strike, noticeable both among the general public and Veteran Assistants (VAs), weakened starting from 2025 due to rising tension within VAs, both privately and publicly. More recently, prominent VAs have advocated for the termination of the strike and have criticized the guild for their perceived lack of transparency in negotiations and decision-making processes.
In some recording studios, there’s a trend of swapping U.S.-based Voice Actors with international talent for live-service games like Zenless Zone Zero and Honkai: Star Rail, which were significantly impacted by the strike. Simultaneously, Epic Games has been experimenting with an AI version of Darth Vader in Fortnite, planning to introduce tools that enable players to develop their own AI-driven Non-Player Characters.
We’ve nearly sealed a preliminary deal with a global coalition of major video game firms, known as the video game bargaining group. Fingers crossed, this means our video game workers’ strike might be called off soon. #SagAftraStrong
— SAG-AFTRA NEWS (@sagaftranews) June 10, 2025
Many virtual assistants (VAs) worry that the strike might be hurting their future opportunities more than helping them in the long run. On the other hand, SAG-AFTRA sees the tentative agreement as a victory.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the lead negotiator, expressed profound appreciation for the sacrifices and commitment shown by video game actors during the prolonged strike, as well as the tireless efforts of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee. He noted that the agreement reached is a result of patience and determination, providing essential safeguards for performers in the age of artificial intelligence, along with other significant benefits.
Fran Drescher, the head of our guild, commented: ‘Our video game actors held firm against some of the largest companies in a highly profitable global industry. Their remarkable bravery and determination, coupled with the relentless efforts of our negotiating team, have finally sealed a deal. The bar has been raised, and we are now in a significantly improved position compared to before.’
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2025-06-10 14:16