The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has finally put down its picket signs, sealing a new deal with game developers after a year-long strike.

In a statement released on the 9th, SAG-AFTRA confirmed that its members voted to ratify the 2025 SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement with a staggering 95.04% to 4.96% margin. This move effectively ends the video game strike that began in July 2024, signaling a return to business as usual.

The 2025 Interactive Media Agreement includes major industry players such as Activision, Disney Character Voices, EA Productions, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Take-Two Productions, and Warner Bros. Games. Under the terms, performers will see an immediate 15.17% pay increase, followed by additional 3% hikes annually through 2027.

One of the thorniest issues on the table was the use of AI digital replicas to mimic the faces and voices of actors. Back in July 2024, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, stated, "SAG-AFTRA members have the right to fair compensation and informed consent regarding the use of their likeness, voice, and body by AI, just like their counterparts in film, television, streaming, and music."

Reflecting these concerns, Section 18 of the 2025 agreement now contains an extensive framework for AI usage. It boils down to two key pillars: employers must obtain clear, specific consent from the performer for AI-generated replicas, detailing the exact purpose of use, and must ensure proper compensation as defined by the deal. In the case of deceased performers, consent must be secured through the union.

Furthermore, if the material involving AI or digital replicas was part of the strike, the performer's consent is automatically revoked. Even for projects not covered by the strike, performers retain the right to withdraw consent by providing written notice to their employers.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher noted, "This agreement marks a significant step forward in protecting actors from the looming shadow of AI," adding, "I pay tribute to everyone in the video game industry and our allies who stood in solidarity throughout the strike."