SAG-AFTRA Approves Video Game Agreement with AI Safeguards

SAG-AFTRA Board Approves Tentative Deal

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) National Board has approved a tentative Interactive Media Agreement with video game producers, paving the way for member ratification. This three-year deal captures emerging industry trends around AI, digital replicas, compensation, and safety measures for performers.

AI Protections and Digital Replica Rights

Recognizing the impact of artificial intelligence on interactive media, the agreement introduces key guardrails for AI-generated content. Performers must provide informed consent before their voice or likeness is used to create digital replicas, with the option to suspend consent during strikes. Transparency and compensation are guaranteed through new minimums for digital replica use and real-time generation tools.

• Informed consent across all AI applications, including voice, facial capture, and motion data.
• Right to suspend digital replica consent during labor actions.
• Minimum rates for Digital Replicas and a 7.5x scale for Real Time Generation chatbots.
• Secondary Performance Payments for re-used visual performances in subsequent games.

Compensation Gains and Health Contributions

Performers stand to benefit from compounded wage increases totaling 15.17% upon ratification, plus 3% raises in November 2025, 2026, and 2027 — adding up to over 24%. Overtime pay for overscale performers will move to a double-scale maximum, and health and retirement contributions to the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan rise to 17% on ratification and 17.5% in October 2026.

• 15.17% immediate increase upon ratification.
• Additional 3% annual raises through 2027.
• Double-scale overtime caps for overscale performers.
• Health & retirement contributions rise to 17% and 17.5%.

Enhanced Safety Protocols

The deal also cements safety provisions to protect performers during hazardous work. A qualified medical professional must be present or readily available at any rehearsal or performance involving dangerous stunts or conditions. On-camera actors receive mandatory rest periods, and virtual auditions can no longer require live dangerous activity or stunts.

Member Ratification and Implementation Timeline

SAG-AFTRA will release full deal terms with ratification materials on June 18. Eligible members have until 5 p.m. PDT on July 9, 2025 to cast their vote. Informational meetings are underway, and details can be found at sagaftra.org/videogames2025. If approved, the strike suspension initiated on June 11 will remain in effect under the new contract.

This milestone agreement reflects a balance between technological innovation in gaming and the rights and welfare of performers, setting a precedent for AI governance and fair labor practices in interactive media.