23 Daily — According to gamesindustry.biz, on November 6, 2026, the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) introduced a new video game agreement that allows developers to hire professional actors during the early stages of funding pitches and sample production. The Pre-Funding Pitch Interactive Media Agreement covers demos, vertical slices, trailers, teasers, sizzle reels, and playable prototypes. This initiative aims to enable creators to showcase high-quality content earlier, improving their chances to secure funding.
Terms and Eligibility of the New Agreement
SAG-AFTRA states that projects eligible for the agreement cannot have more than 30% of their initial production financing secured and should not appear near completion. Projects funded through crowdfunding are ineligible, and the content must not be commercially released or publicly playable. Developers whose projects meet some but not all criteria may apply for a waiver from the union.
The union emphasized that the new agreement streamlines the hiring of professional union talent, giving developers a competitive edge to obtain needed backing. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and CEO, said, “The Pre-Funding Pitch Interactive Media Agreement simplifies the process of hiring professional union talent, helping developers get the support they need in a competitive industry.” SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin added, “This agreement allows developers to bring in professional voice and motion performance talent earlier to create a higher-quality product that captures both imaginations and funding.”
Background: Union Actions and Previous Agreements
Between 2024 and 2025, SAG-AFTRA conducted an 11-month strike after failing to reach agreements on compensation, AI regulation, and safety with multiple publishers and developers. During the strike, the union issued two agreements allowing members to work on student projects and game jams. Post-strike, SAG-AFTRA introduced the Interactive Media Agreement, which included pay increases, health and retirement contributions, and AI safety protections. The new Pre-Funding Pitch agreement extends this framework, specifically targeting early stage professional actor involvement in game development.
Editor's take: Importance for Game Developers and Entrepreneurial Opportunities
This new agreement enables developers to incorporate professional actor performances earlier in development, offering a practical advantage for startup game studios. Presenting high-quality demos at fundraising pitches can significantly enhance appeal to investors and publishing partners, mitigating funding risks. Entrepreneurs can evaluate their projects against the agreement’s eligibility criteria to strategically leverage union talent for improved audio-visual quality and market competitiveness. Effective management of production milestones and financing proportions is crucial to qualify, with possible union waivers adding flexibility. Given the increasing recognition of talent rights and professional standards in the industry, this agreement is poised to become a valuable resource in entrepreneurial game development and financing strategies.