After an 11-month strike involving approximately 3,000 SAG-AFTRA members, the union is now close to ratifying a new contract that addresses pay raises, performer control over digital likenesses, and protections against AI misuse.

Central to the agreement are provisions requiring companies to obtain written consent from performers before creating digital replicas, along with ensuring proper compensation and transparency for AI-related use.

Sarah Elmaleh, a voice actor and chair of SAG-AFTRA’s interactive branch, played a key role in negotiations, advocating for ongoing regulation and guidelines on AI in the industry.

The voting on the contract closes at 5 p.m. Pacific on July 9, 2025, with results expected to be announced shortly afterward.

While the agreement is seen as a milestone, industry leaders emphasize it is not the final resolution, committing to continued advocacy and future improvements.

This strike follows a previous successful action in 2016 that secured bonus structures for performers, building on a history of effective labor negotiations.

Once ratified, the deal aims to foster safer working conditions and promote the development of industry standards for AI usage.

The contract negotiations were conducted after the strike was suspended in June, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing effort to protect performers' rights.

The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for AI regulation and performer rights not only in the video game industry but potentially on a global scale.

Provisions also include detailed usage reports for digital replicas and ongoing efforts to establish comprehensive industry guidelines on AI technology.