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SAG-AFTRA National Board Approves Tentative Agreement: A New Chapter for Interactive Media
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has reached a pivotal moment in its ongoing efforts to protect and promote the interests of its members in the rapidly evolving entertainment and media landscape. On June 12, 2025, the SAG-AFTRA National Board officially approved a tentative agreement with the video game bargaining group, marking a significant step forward in the Interactive Media Agreement. This decision sets the stage for a new era of performer compensation, safety, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the interactive media sector.
Compensation and Benefits: A Win for Performers
One of the most significant aspects of the newly approved tentative agreement is the substantial increase in performer compensation. If ratified by the membership, the agreement promises compounded increases in performer compensation at a rate of 15.17% upon ratification. Additionally, the agreement includes 3% increases in November 2025, November 2026, and November 2027. This multi-year approach ensures that performers will experience consistent and appreciable gains in their earnings, reflecting the value of their contributions to the interactive media industry.
The agreement also addresses the overtime rates for overscale performers, setting the maximum rate at double the scale. This adjustment recognizes the demanding nature of performance work and ensures that performers are fairly compensated for their time and effort.
Furthermore, the health and retirement benefits for SAG-AFTRA members will see improvements. The contribution rates to the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan will increase from 16.5% to 17% upon ratification, and then to 17.5% in October 2026. This enhancement of health and retirement benefits underscores SAG-AFTRA’s commitment to the long-term well-being of its members, providing them with greater financial security and access to essential healthcare services.
AI Guardrails: Protecting Performers in the Digital Age
A key highlight of the new contract is the establishment of essential guardrails and gains around AI. These provisions demonstrate SAG-AFTRA’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. The agreement mandates informed consent across various AI applications, ensuring that performers are fully aware of and agree to the use of their digital likenesses or voices.
Moreover, performers retain the right to suspend informed consent for Digital Replica use during a strike, providing them with additional leverage and control over their digital assets during labor disputes. This provision acknowledges the importance of protecting performers’ rights and interests in an era where digital replicas can be created and used without their explicit permission.
The contract also establishes collectively-bargained minimums for the use of Digital Replicas created with IMA-covered performances. It sets higher minimums (7.5x scale) for “Real-Time Generation,” which involves embedding a Digital Replica-voiced chatbot in a video game. These compensation gains recognize the value of performers’ contributions to the creation and use of digital replicas and ensure they are adequately compensated when their digital likenesses or voices are used in interactive media projects.
Another significant aspect of the AI provisions is the implementation of “Secondary Performance Payments.” These payments guarantee compensation when visual performances are re-used in another video game, addressing concerns about the unauthorized or uncompensated use of performers’ work in derivative projects.
Enhanced Safety Provisions: Prioritizing Performer Well-being
The new Interactive Media Agreement includes essential safety provisions to protect performers during rehearsals and performances. One key provision requires a qualified medical professional to be present or readily available during rehearsals and performances. Especially when hazardous actions or working conditions are planned. This measure ensures that performers have access to immediate medical assistance in case of emergencies or injuries.
Additionally, the agreement provides rest periods for on-camera principal performers, recognizing the physical and mental demands of performance work. Adequate rest is essential for maintaining performers’ health, preventing burnout, and ensuring they can deliver their best work.
The agreement also addresses safety concerns related to virtual auditions. It prohibits employers from requesting that performers complete stunts or other dangerous activities in virtual auditions, protecting performers from potential harm or exploitation during the audition process.
Ratification and Next Steps
With the SAG-AFTRA National Board’s approval, the tentative agreement will now be submitted to the membership for ratification. The full terms of the three-year deal are scheduled to be released with the ratification materials on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Informational meetings are being scheduled to provide members with additional details about the agreement, and further information will be available on the SAG-AFTRA website.
Eligible SAG-AFTRA members will have until 5 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, to cast their vote on ratification. The outcome of this vote will determine whether the tentative agreement becomes the new Interactive Media Agreement, shaping the future of performer compensation, safety, and AI protections in the video game industry.
A Landmark Achievement
The SAG-AFTRA National Board’s approval of the tentative Interactive Media Agreement represents a landmark achievement for performers in the interactive media industry. The agreement addresses key issues such as compensation, benefits, AI, and safety. The agreement reflects the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry.
If ratified by the membership, this agreement will not only improve the working conditions and financial security of performers but also set a new standard for ethical and responsible practices in the use of AI. It underscores the importance of collective bargaining in protecting the rights and interests of workers.
Conclusion: A Promising Future
The approval of the tentative agreement marks a significant milestone in SAG-AFTRA’s ongoing efforts to advocate for its members and shape the future of the entertainment industry. By addressing critical issues such as compensation, AI, and safety, this agreement has the potential to create a more equitable and sustainable environment for performers in the interactive media sector. As the ratification process moves forward, SAG-AFTRA members have the opportunity to shape the future of their profession and ensure that their voices are heard.