Level up! After nearly a year on pause, the video game industry just got its biggest “achievement unlocked” in recent memory. SAG-AFTRA members have voted overwhelmingly — 95.04% to 4.96% — to approve the 2025 Interactive Media Agreement, officially ratifying the deal and bringing the long-simmering video game strike to a definitive close. (The strike had already been suspended, pending this vote.)
So what’s in the new playbook? For starters, performers are getting a serious pay boost: a 15.17% compensation increase right off the bat, followed by annual 3% raises through 2027. Overtime pay is getting an upgrade too — overscale performers will now earn based on double scale. Meanwhile, health and retirement contributions to the AFTRA Retirement Fund will grow from 16.5% to 17%, then again to 17.5% in 2026.
But it’s not just about coin — it’s about control. The new contract establishes groundbreaking A.I. protections, including required consent and transparency when using digital replicas of performers. Plus, if there’s a strike, performers can revoke that consent, halting the creation of new content. It’s a big win in an industry where virtual likenesses can live long after a session ends.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher (yes, that Fran Drescher) praised the union’s resolve:
“This deal achieves important progress around A.I. protections — and progress is the name of the game! My sincere respect goes out to the video game performer community and their allies for their solidarity during the strike.”
National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland added:
“Thanks to nearly three years of tireless work by our negotiating team, performers now have meaningful gains and essential A.I. protections. This deal sets a strong foundation as the tech continues to evolve.”
Producers also hit the “like” button. On behalf of the game companies, spokesperson Audrey Cooling called the new agreement a win for everyone:
“Historic wage increases, industry-leading A.I. protections, and enhanced health and safety measures — we’re proud to continue our decades-long partnership with SAG-AFTRA.”
Votes were cast online and by mail and tallied by Integrity Voting Systems, which certified the results today, July 9, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT.
With the contract ratified, the strike saga ends — and a new era begins for video game performers. Power up.
