### Video Game Actors' Strike Concludes After Nearly a Year of Negotiations The prolonged strike by video game actors, which lasted almost a year, has officially come to an end following the announcement of a tentative agreement between the SAG-AFTRA union and major video game publishers. This strike was primarily driven by concerns over the use of artificial intelligence in the gaming industry, particularly regarding voiceover work and motion capture. The resolution of this strike marks a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about the rights and protections of actors in the evolving landscape of video game production [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/video-game-actors-strike-ends-sag-aftra-tentative-deal-reached-rcna177738]. ### Breakdown of the Strike and Agreement 1. **Background of the Strike** - The SAG-AFTRA union initiated the strike in July 2024, primarily over issues related to AI and its implications for voice actors [https://www.eurogamer.net/us-actors-union-suspends-year-long-video-game-strike-following-tentative-agreement-over-ai]. - The strike involved a walkout by actors who voiced characters and performed motion capture for video games, impacting numerous projects across the industry. 2. **Tentative Agreement Details** - A tentative agreement was reached on June 10, 2025, which includes new conditions for the interactive media contract [https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/sustainable-finance-reporting/striking-hollywood-video-game-actors-reach-tentative-agreement-with-studios-2025-06-10]. - The agreement is pending review by the SAG-AFTRA national board, which will determine the next steps for the union members [https://www.wsj.com/business/media/striking-actors-reach-tentative-deal-with-video-game-makers-1bd8027a]. 3. **Impact on the Industry** - The resolution of the strike is expected to have a positive impact on the video game industry, allowing for the resumption of production on various titles that had been delayed due to the strike [https://www.gamereactor.eu/sag-aftra-reaches-tentative-agreement-with-major-video-game-companies-1558103]. - The agreement also addresses concerns regarding the use of AI in the industry, which has been a contentious issue for many actors [https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/06/video-game-actor-strike-over-ai-concerns-could-finally-be-close-to-an-end]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Duration of the Strike**: The strike lasted approximately 11 months, beginning in July 2024 and concluding in June 2025 [https://www.readingeagle.com/2025/06/10/sagaftra-video-game-performers-tentative-deal]. - **Key Players Involved**: The agreement was reached between SAG-AFTRA and major video game companies, including some of the largest studios in the industry [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sag-aftra-reaches-tentative-agreement-with-major-games-companies-to-end-strike]. - **Focus on AI**: The negotiations included specific provisions regarding the use of AI in voice acting, which was a primary concern for the striking actors [https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/sag-aftra-union-reach-tentative-agreement-with-game-companies-that-could-end-the-latest-voice-actor-strike]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Video Game Actors In summary, the tentative agreement reached between SAG-AFTRA and video game publishers signifies a pivotal moment for the rights of video game actors, particularly concerning the implications of AI in their work. 1. **Strike Duration**: Nearly a year-long strike has concluded, allowing for the resumption of production in the gaming industry. 2. **Tentative Agreement**: The new contract includes provisions addressing AI concerns, pending approval from the SAG-AFTRA national board. 3. **Industry Impact**: The resolution is expected to facilitate the continuation of various gaming projects and set a precedent for future negotiations regarding actor rights in the digital age. This development not only highlights the importance of actor representation in the gaming industry but also underscores the ongoing challenges posed by technological advancements [https://variety.com/2025/gaming/news/video-game-actors-strike-ends-1236428532].