The SAG-AFTRA negotiations with the gaming industry may be nearing an agreement, and you may notice changes in your favorite games soon.
The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike against the gaming industry has been ongoing since 2022. However, it may soon be suspended as final terms with major video game companies are nearing completion. Popular titles like League of Legends, Genshin Impact, and Destiny 2 could see significant changes in the coming weeks.
SAG-AFTRA and the gaming industry
Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the gaming industry date back to the early days of the strike. Between 2016 and 2017, SAG-AFTRA launched a major strike demanding better pay and greater transparency, particularly for voice acting and motion-capture roles.
Although a temporary agreement was reached, it expired in November 2022, prompting a new round of negotiations. In the following year, growing concerns over AI-driven voice and performance cloning brought renewed focus to protecting artists’ rights. This led to additional demands for safeguards in the new contract.
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Walking toward a strike suspension
On June 9, SAG-AFTRA released a statement announcing that a suspension of the strike against several major video game companies may be approaching. The companies involved include Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Epic Games Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Take-Two Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.
SAG-AFTRA and the employers have reached a tentative agreement on the terms of a new interactive media contract. The proposed deal will now undergo review and require approval from the union’s National Board in the coming weeks.
As of now, SAG-AFTRA has not disclosed specific details of the agreement. The union stated, “We expect to finalize the terms of a strike suspension agreement with employers soon. However, until we reach that agreement, our members will remain on strike against these companies.”
"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. 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 have been on strike against video game companies since July 26, 2024. This followed a strong show of support in September 2023, when 98.32% of members voted in favor of authorizing the strike.
How does this decision affect your favorite games?
If the agreement is finalized, you may start noticing changes in some of your favorite games. For instance, titles like League of Legends, Genshin Impact, and Destiny 2, which have faced delays and missing voice lines, could resume normal development. With this agreement in place, studios can legally bring back SAG-AFTRA voice actors, allowing them to resume ongoing projects and expand with new content.
It also means companies may no longer avoid hiring SAG-AFTRA members without facing consequences. The agreement protects voice actors by ensuring that studios cannot digitally replicate their voices without explicit consent. Since US-based SAG talent might not return, it could inspire the search for new talent.
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