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SAG-AFTRA has penned a new independent interactive localisation agreement to protect video game actors.
The new agreement simplifies terms from SAG-AFTRA’s previous contract and focuses on localising games in languages other than English.
It also includes protections against the use of AI, as well as more options for voice sessions and voiceprints for both main and background roles. These new terms were created based on feedback from the community.
SAG-AFTRA said it hopes the new agreement will benefit companies willing to hire union talent by offering access to performers. It could also create more job opportunities for actors involved in video game localisation.
Robust AI protections
“This new agreement is the next step in our strategy to increase opportunities for companies that agree to reasonable A.I. protections,” said SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
“When companies agree to the terms SAG-AFTRA members need to keep their livelihoods sustainable, then those companies can immediately benefit from the incredible work of our performers, while recalcitrant companies’ projects stagnate during the strike.”
Interactive media agreement negotiating committee chair Sarah Elmaleh added: “Many brilliant, beloved games come to market in the U.S. from other countries, projects which need highly skilled localising performers, and those performers absolutely deserve robust, enforceable A.I. protections.”
The SAG-AFTRA strike against signatories of the Interactive Media Agreement is still ongoing, except for games covered by the Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement.
