SAG-AFTRA launches new video game agreement enabling devs to hire professional actors for demos and vertical slices

SAG-AFTRA has introduced a new video game agreement enabling developers to hire professional actors for demos, vertical slices, trailers, teasers, sizzle reels, and playable prototypes during the development process. This Pre-Funding Pitch Interactive Media Agreement allows creators to utilize union talent earlier in development, streamlining the hiring process and potentially giving developers a competitive edge in securing funding.

The agreement covers projects that have not secured more than 30% of their initial production funding or appear to be complete, as well as projects released through crowdfunding and those not commercially released or made available to the public for gameplay. SAG-AFTRA's national executive director and CEO Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated that the agreement aims to help developers get the backing they need in a highly competitive industry.

SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin added that the agreement enables developers to bring in professional voice and motion performance talent earlier in the process, creating a higher-quality product and capturing both imaginations and funding. Last year, SAG-AFTRA issued two additional agreements allowing union members to work with students and game jams during strike action.

The union went on strike for 11 months between 2024 and 2025 due to disagreements with publishers and developers over compensation, unregulated AI use, and safety. The Interactive Media Agreement introduced by SAG-AFTRA during the strike included pay increases, health and retirement contributions, and AI safety guardrails.