Industry video game actors pass agreement with studios for AI security

10/7/2025 12:06

Hollywood video game voice and motion capture actors signed a new contract with video game studios on Wednesday with a focus on artificial intelligence protections, the actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, said in a press release, ending a near year-long strike.



Video game voice actor and member of the negotiation committee Sarah Elmaleh said after the new agreement passed, "AI was the centerpiece of our proposal package."



Elmaleh, a voice actor for popular titles like "Final Fantasy XV" and "Call of Duty: Black Ops III," said she knew it was crucial to ensure there was a baseline for how to ethically use AI in the gaming industry.



The new protections include consent and disclosure requirements for AI digital replica use and the ability for performers to suspend consent for the generation of new material during a strike.



SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in the guild's statement, "This deal achieves important progress around AI protections, and progress is the name of the game."



The deal applies to video game studios Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Llama Productions, Take 2 Productions and WB Games.



The new Interactive Media Agreement, which goes into effect immediately, was approved by SAG-AFTRA members by a vote of 95.04% to 4.96%, ratifying the deal and ending the video game strike, which had been suspended pending ratification.



The new contract also offers more performer safety measures, which was a specific concern for motion capture video game performers.