After extensive negotiations and significant efforts from the video game performer community, a new Interactive Media Agreement is now up for ratification. The agreement was reached after nearly three years of discussions by the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee.
The process leading to this moment involved substantial sacrifice from performers, who participated in picket lines and work stoppages to highlight key issues. The new agreement aims to keep pace with industry changes by introducing essential protections against A.I., along with other improvements such as increased pay and enhanced on-site safety measures.
The committee emphasized the importance of these protections due to the growing use of generative A.I. in video games, which poses a threat to artistic autonomy. Despite resistance from employers, the committee succeeded in securing crucial guardrails.
Members are now invited to review and vote on the ratification of this agreement. If approved, it would lead to a 15.17% increase in performer compensation upon ratification, followed by an annual compounded increase of 3% starting November 2025. It also proposes changes like increasing the overtime rate maximum for overscale performers and enhancing contributions to the AFTRA Retirement Fund.
The agreement introduces consent requirements for various A.I. uses and allows performers to suspend consent for Digital Replica use during strikes. It establishes minimums for Digital Replicas created with IMA-covered performances and sets higher minimums for “Real Time Generation” applications.
Additionally, secondary performance payments will be provided when visual performances are reused in other games. Safety measures include requiring medical professionals at rehearsals involving hazardous actions and ensuring rest periods for on-camera principal performers.
Informational meetings are scheduled on June 20, June 23, and June 26 for members seeking more details about the tentative agreement. Members are encouraged to vote by July 9, 2025.
Eligible members have been mailed instructions on how to vote online or request a paper ballot. Those who did not receive mail can retrieve their PIN online.
Sarah Elmaleh, Chair of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee, along with Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator, acknowledged member sacrifices over nearly a year that led to this deal’s formation.
SAG-AFTRA remains committed to supporting its members through these developments.
