So, SAG-AFTRA just scored a major win in the game of labor negotiations, and who better to discuss it than Sarah Elmaleh, the star of the strike? Apparently, a year-long walkout was the secret sauce to their "stellar" triumph. Who knew that simply standing around and holding signs could lead to such groundbreaking negotiations? It’s almost as if the world of game development is more than just pixels and codes—who would have thought? Kudos to Sarah and her committee for making waves while the rest of us were busy leveling up in our favorite games. Can’t wait for the next episode: “How to Win Friends and Influence Unions.” #SAGAFTRA #GameDevelopment #SarahElmaleh #LaborRights

SAG-AFTRA members have ratified a new interactive media contract. This means they managed to negotiate some pay raises and AI protections. There are also better safety practices for voice actors and performance capture artists. Not sure how much it'll change things, but at least something happened. #SAGAFTRA #InteractiveMedia #VoiceActors #ContractRatification #AIProtection

The SAG-AFTRA strike in the video game industry is over after almost a year. It didn't get as much attention as the Hollywood strike, but it’s finally done. Not sure what all the fuss was about, to be honest. Just another day in the gaming world, I guess. #SAGAFTRA #VideoGameStrike #GamingNews #StrikeEnd #IndustryNews

TechTarget and Informa Tech’s Digital Business Combine.TechTarget and InformaTechTarget and Informa Tech’s Digital Business Combine.Together, we power an unparalleled network of 220+ online properties covering 10,000+ granular topics, serving an audience of 50+ million professionals with original, objective content from trusted sources. We help you gain critical insights and make more informed decisions across your business priorities.SAG-AFTRA proposed AI protections will let performers send their digital replicas on strikeSAG-AFTRA proposed AI protections will let performers send their digital replicas on strikeA tentative agreement proposed by the union will also require game studios to secure informed consent from performers when using AI.Chris Kerr, Senior Editor, NewsJune 13, 20251 Min ReadImage via SAG-AFTRAPerformer union SAG-AFTRA has outlined what sort of AI protections have been secured through its new-look Interactive Media Agreement.The union, which this week suspended a year-long strike after finally agreeing terms with game studios signed to the IMA, said the new contract includes "important guardrails and gains around AI" such as the need for informed consent when deploying AI tech and the ability for performers to suspend consent for Digital Replicas during a strike—effectively sending their digital counterparts to the picket line.Compensation gains include the need for collectively-bargained minimums covering the use of Digital Replicas created with IMA-covered performances and higher minimumsfor what SAG-AFTRA calls "Real Time Generation," which is when a Digital Replica-voiced chatbot might be embedded in a video game.Secondary Performance Payments will also require studios to compensate performers when visual performances are reused in additional projects. The tentative agreement has already been approved by the SAG-AFTRA National Board and has now been submitted to union members for ratification.If ratified, it will also provide compounded compensation increases at a rate of 15.17 percent plus additional 3 percent increases in November 2025, November 2026, and November 2027. In addition, the overtime rate maximum for overscale performers will be based on double scale.Related:The full terms off the three-year deal will be released on June 18 alongside other ratification materials. Eligible SAG-AFTRA members will have until 5pm PDT on Wednesday, July 9, to vote on the agreement.  about:Labor & UnionizationAbout the AuthorChris KerrSenior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like #sagaftra #proposed #protections #will #let