Voice and performance actors working in video games have voted to accept a new labor agreement with gaming companies.
This marks the end of a long-standing strike over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their work.
On July 9, the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) announced that 95.04% of members approved the 2025 Interactive Media Agreement, which takes effect immediately.
Did you know?
Subscribe – We publish new crypto explainer videos every week!
What is Polygon in Crypto? (Animated Explainer)
The agreement gives performers a 15.17% pay increase, followed by three yearly raises of 3%. It also requires game studios to get clear consent from performers before using digital replicas of their voices or likenesses.
The strike began in July 2024, as workers raised concerns about the use of generative AI, voice cloning, and job protections in the video game industry.
The deal applies to some of the biggest names in the industry, including Activision, Electronic Arts, Disney Character Voices, Warner Bros. Games, and Take-Two Productions. These companies will now follow the same kinds of labor standards that have already been agreed to in film and television.
A key part of the negotiations was what union leaders referred to as “strike suspension” protections.
Sarah Elmaleh, who chaired the union’s negotiating committee, told Variety that technology should not be used to replace workers who are on strike with artificial versions of themselves.
Recently, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) accused Perplexity of using its news content without permission. What did it say? Read the full story.
Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.
