SAG-AFTRA Calls on Game Studios to Step Up and Sign Union Agreements
Hey everyone, let's talk about something important happening in the gaming industry right now—SAG-AFTRA’s ongoing efforts to secure fair treatment and protection for voice actors, especially regarding the use of AI. This movement isn't just about contracts. It’s about protecting livelihoods and ensuring that the talent behind our favorite characters is respected and supported.
So here's the deal. SAG-AFTRA has been in the middle of a long-standing strike against certain video game studios that fall under the Interactive Media Agreement—big names like EA, Activision, and Take-Two. The union is pushing for strong AI protections, fair compensation, and enforceable terms to safeguard voice actors from being replaced or having their voices reused without consent. In the meantime, they’ve managed to get over 180 studios to sign what's called an "interim agreement." This allows union actors to work under fair terms while negotiations continue.
Now, SAG-AFTRA is urging more non-struck studios to join in and sign the agreement. Why? Because as the strike drags on, fewer projects are covered by older contracts that predate the strike, meaning new casting decisions are being made right now. And if these studios want to attract talented, experienced voice actors, they need to offer more than just a friendly handshake and a decent rate—they need to provide real protections backed by a union.
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Take for example the recent back-and-forth between Marin M. Miller and Supergiant Games, the team behind Hades . Miller wanted the studio to sign the interim agreement. It’s not just about personal gain—it’s about establishing boundaries and standards that all creatives can rely on. And when studios push back or recast roles, it sends a message: your concerns aren’t valid. That’s not the kind of environment most actors want to work in.
And let’s not forget the international ripple effect. Some studios are looking overseas, hoping to sidestep the union’s demands. But guess what? Voice actors in other countries are starting to push back too, refusing to sign away their rights to AI use and unfair terms. There’s a growing global solidarity here. Even in indie circles, developers are recognizing the benefits of working with union talent—consistency, professionalism, and clarity throughout the production process.
At the 2025 Game Developers Conference, SAG-AFTRA reps Sarah Elmaleh and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland made it clear: signing this agreement isn’t just a legal checkbox. It’s a statement that says “we value the people who bring our characters to life.” Whether you’re a big-name studio or a tiny indie dev, your choices set a tone for the industry. Don’t think you’re working in a bubble—your peers are watching, your fans are watching, and your talent is definitely watching.
The strike might still be ongoing, but the opportunity to do the right thing is right here, right now. If you're a developer and an actor you want to work with asks you to "go union," they’re not just making a demand—they’re opening the door to a more ethical, stable, and professional creative process. Let’s not close that door. Let’s walk through it together.
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