SAG-AFTRA ends strike against video game companies after reaching tentative AI protections deal

Labour union SAG-AFTRA has suspended its strike against companies under the Interactive Media Agreement, effective June 11th, 2025.

The suspension follows approval from union leadership and the IMA Negotiating Committee after a prior tentative agreement was reached. 

SAG-AFTRA said its national board will hold a special session on June 12th, 2025, to review the tentative agreement. If approved, it will be sent to members for ratification. 

“All SAG-AFTRA members are instructed to return to work on productions under the IMA, including work promoting or publicising projects produced under the IMA," said the union in a statement." 

One final review 

Although the deal still requires approval from the national board and union members, SAG-AFTRA members can now resume work on productions covered by the Interactive Media Agreement, including publicity and promotion.

SAG-AFTRA members have been on strike against video game companies since July 26th, 2024, following a 98.32% strike authorisation vote in September 2023.

The union went on strike over concerns that game studios were including AI clauses in contracts, allowing actors' likenesses to be scanned and reused without their fair consent or payment. The group warned that it could lead to actors being replaced by AI.

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 members, including actors, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists, influencers and other entertainment and media professionals.