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game companies

SAG-AFTRA board approves new contract
AppWizard
June 13, 2025

SAG-AFTRA board approves new contract

The SAG-AFTRA performers union has approved a tentative agreement with leading game companies, encouraging members to vote positively for ratification on June 18th. The new contract includes a 15.17% increase in compensation, annual raises of 3% from November 2025 through 2027, and an increase in health and retirement contributions from 16.5% to 17%, rising to 17.5% by October 2026. It provides protections against exploitation related to artificial intelligence, requiring consent for the use of digital likenesses and mandating their withdrawal during strikes. Safety provisions include the presence of a qualified medical professional during hazardous rehearsals and performances, as well as mandated rest periods for on-camera principal performers. Employers are prohibited from asking performers to undertake stunts during virtual auditions. The tentative agreement led to the suspension of strike action on June 11th.
SAG-AFTRA calls off video games strike
AppWizard
June 13, 2025

SAG-AFTRA calls off video games strike

The SAG-AFTRA performers union has announced the end of its strike involving video game actors, effective noon Pacific Time on June 11, 2025. This decision follows a tentative agreement with major video game companies, including Activision, EA, and Epic Games. All SAG-AFTRA members are instructed to return to work on productions under the IMA. The SAG-AFTRA National Board will meet on June 12, 2025, to discuss the tentative agreement, which will be presented for ratification by the union’s membership if approved. Details of the agreement will be disclosed at that time.
SAG-AFTRA reaches "tentative" agreement with games companies
AppWizard
June 11, 2025

SAG-AFTRA reaches “tentative” agreement with games companies

The SAG-AFTRA performers' union has reached a tentative agreement with major video game companies, including Activision, EA, and Epic Games, regarding its interactive media contract. This agreement is set for review and approval by SAG-AFTRA's board. Video game performers have been on strike since July 2024, advocating for protections related to artificial intelligence in game development. The agreement includes important A.I. guardrails to protect performers' interests. Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, emphasized the strength and resolve of the performers and noted that the progress achieved is a result of their collective efforts. The union plans to begin preparations for future negotiations following the ratification of this agreement.
SAG-AFTRA makes exception for student devs and game jams in 8-month videogame performance strike: 'I'm thrilled that these types of projects can now be accommodated'
AppWizard
March 30, 2025

SAG-AFTRA makes exception for student devs and game jams in 8-month videogame performance strike: ‘I’m thrilled that these types of projects can now be accommodated’

SAG-AFTRA has introduced new waivers, the Student Interactive Waiver Agreement and the Game Jam Waiver Agreement, allowing union actors to participate in student projects and game jams during its ongoing strike. The waivers aim to support both actors and emerging game developers while adhering to strike protocols. SAG-AFTRA has been on strike for eight months, primarily due to concerns over artificial intelligence and its impact on video game actors' careers. The strike has led to game studios recycling old voiceover clips, affecting new project developments.
SAG-AFTRA union remains "frustratingly far apart" from publishers on AI
AppWizard
March 14, 2025

SAG-AFTRA union remains “frustratingly far apart” from publishers on AI

Ongoing negotiations between the SAG-AFTRA union and game publishers regarding the use of artificial intelligence in acting are facing significant challenges. SAG-AFTRA has made some progress but remains "frustratingly far apart" from a comprehensive agreement on AI-related issues since the strike initiated by its members in July 2024. Key issues include game publishers' desire to create digital replicas of actors' voices without consent, which raises concerns about performers' rights and potential exploitation. SAG-AFTRA opposes these proposals and has urged its members to stay informed about the gaps in protections for performers. Despite difficulties with the primary bargaining group, SAG-AFTRA has successfully secured interim agreements with over 160 games, yielding higher earnings than non-struck games and demonstrating that protective terms are acceptable to various game companies.
Xbox forced to delay game purchasing feature for Android Xbox app
AppWizard
November 28, 2024

Xbox forced to delay game purchasing feature for Android Xbox app

Microsoft's plans to enhance its Android Xbox app with a feature allowing US players to purchase and play Xbox games directly from their mobile devices have been delayed due to a "temporary administrative stay" granted by a court. This feature was initially set to launch this month, following a court ruling that required Google to open its Play Store to competitors for three years. Despite the feature being fully developed, Microsoft is unable to launch it until the court reaches a final decision. Xbox president Sarah Bond stated the team is ready to activate the feature as soon as possible. Google spokesperson Dan Jackson claimed that Microsoft has always had the ability to allow purchases through its app but chose not to. The court ruling also identified Google as operating a monopoly and deemed the mandatory use of Google Play Billing illegal.
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