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Union actors could appear in early game demos, under new SAG-AFTRA plan
SAG-AFTRA has introduced an agreement allowing game developers to hire union actors before pitching a game to publishers. Performers could contribute to early promotional material or playable demos, helping studios present their ideas to potential backers and possibly improve their chances of securing funding.
The agreement covers voice and motion performance, including internal teaser trailers and vertical-slice demos, but cannot be used for crowdfunded games. It comes amid developers’ concerns about the difficulty of finding funding and follows SAG-AFTRA’s 2024–2025 video game strike, which sought protections against generative AI.
In short
- Union actors can be hired before a game is pitched.
- Their work could help developers attract funding.
- The agreement excludes crowdfunded games.