After months of silence and stalled production, there’s finally hope on the horizon for one of the gaming industry’s most important labor disputes. The SAG-AFTRA video game strike, which has affected dozens of high-profile titles since 2024, might soon come to an end, following a tentative agreement between the actors’ union and major game publishers.
(Want the best connection when streaming or gaming online? Check out PLDT Home! – https://pldthome.info/vrsus_ph)
If you’re not familiar with the whole thing, here’s a quick and easy explainer.
What Was the Strike About?
Back in July 2024, over 2,600 voice and motion-capture actors—members of SAG-AFTRA—refused to work with companies like EA, Activision, Disney, Epic Games, and Warner Bros. It wasn’t just about pay—it was about AI.
At the heart of the strike was a growing fear that studios could use artificial intelligence to recreate actors’ voices and performances without consent, payment, or credit. Imagine your voice being used to generate lines in a sequel you didn’t even know was in development. That was the nightmare scenario.
The union demanded clear language in contracts to limit how AI could be used. But for nearly a year, game companies refused to commit.
The Turning Point: A Tentative Deal
On June 10, 2025, SAG-AFTRA announced that they had finally reached a tentative agreement with several of the biggest game studios. While exact details are still under wraps, it includes AI protections—a major win for voice actors and motion capture performers.
The next step is for the union’s National Board to review the deal and send it to all members for a vote. If they approve, the strike officially ends.
SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike – Why It Matters for Gamers
If you’ve been wondering why certain games have had delayed trailers or updates (we’re looking at you, GTA VI), this is a big reason. Voice work and mocap sessions were stalled across the board. If this deal goes through, production can finally resume for a lot of major titles.
Beyond that, this sets a strong precedent. As AI tools get more advanced—and more tempting for studios to use—this deal might help shape how entertainment industries protect the people behind the performance.
A Win Beyond Games
This strike wasn’t just about the gaming industry. It became a symbol of a larger conversation about AI in creative work. Between SAG-AFTRA’s push and proposed legislation like the NO FAKES Act in Congress, it’s clear that AI regulation is no longer a niche issue—it’s a frontline concern.
SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike – The TL;DR
- The SAG-AFTRA strike started in July 2024 over AI concerns.
- Over 2,600 voice and mocap actors refused to work without protections.
- On June 10, 2025, a tentative deal with major publishers was reached.
- If approved, work resumes on dozens of major titles.
- The deal could influence how AI is handled in all creative industries moving forward.
Check out our other articles!
Read More:
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Makes Its Debut In Gran Turismo 7 – VRSUS
The Best Game Reveals from PlayStation’s State of Play (June 2025) – VRSUS
The Cyberzone Mobile Mania – It’s Biggest Mobile Tech Showcase Goes Nationwide – VRSUS
APBREN Dominates RMC Season 9 in a 4-0 Sweep at SM North EDSA – VRSUS
