SAG-AFTRA Opens Union Deals for Pre-Funding Game Prototypes
The Pre-Funding Pitch Interactive Media Agreement covers demos, vertical slices and trailers, but bars crowdfunded projects and public releases.
SAG-AFTRA has introduced the Pre-Funding Pitch Interactive Media Agreement, a contract that lets game developers hire union performers for early-stage work before production funding is in place, according to gamesindustry.biz.
The agreement covers demos, vertical slices, trailers, teasers, sizzle reels and playable prototypes. Projects covered by it cannot be commercially released or made publicly playable.
To qualify, a project must not have more than 30% of its initial production funding secured and must not appear to be complete. Crowdfunded projects are excluded. Developers that meet some but not all of the criteria can request a waiver from the union.
The union is led by president Sean Astin and national executive director and CEO Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
Earlier union agreements
In the previous year, SAG-AFTRA issued two agreements allowing members to work with students and game jams during strike action. The union went on strike for 11 months between 2024 and 2025 over compensation, unregulated AI use and safety, and later introduced the Interactive Media Agreement with pay increases, health and retirement contributions and AI safety guardrails.
Quick answers
What does the Pre-Funding Pitch Interactive Media Agreement cover?
Demos, vertical slices, trailers, teasers, sizzle reels and playable prototypes.
Are crowdfunded games eligible?
No. Crowdfunded projects are not eligible, and covered projects cannot be commercially released or made publicly playable.
Can a studio that misses a criterion still sign?
Yes. Developers that meet some but not all of the criteria may seek a waiver from the union.