The SAG-AFTRA New Independent Agreement for Video Game Localization, officially known as the Independent Interactive Localization Agreement (IILA), is a contract introduced by SAG-AFTRA in November 2024 to cover the localization of video game projects initially scripted and released in a language other than English. Here are the key aspects of this agreement:
Purpose and Scope for Video Game Localization
- Localization Coverage: The agreement targets video games that are first produced in a foreign language and then localized, or dubbed, into English for the U.S. market.
- Eligibility: To qualify, the original script must be in a foreign language, and the intellectual property should be based outside the U.S.
Key Features
- AI Protections: The Interactive Localization Agreement agreement includes protections against the misuse of AI technologies, particularly in relation to the actors’ voices. This involves consent requirements for using AI to replicate an actor’s voice or likeness and fair compensation for such uses.
- Expanded Session and Voiceprint Options: It provides more comprehensive session options and voiceprint rights for performers compared to previous localization agreements. This means actors have more flexibility in how their voices are used, including options for both principal and atmospheric roles.
- Employment Opportunities: By setting these terms, with these voice over rates, the IILA aims to increase job opportunities for union members in the localization sector, ensuring they benefit from the growing market of international games entering the U.S.
Alignment with Other Agreements and Producer’s Guide
- Baseline Terms: The IILA shares foundational terms with the Independent Interactive Media Agreement, which has been updated to include a fourth tier for projects with budgets between $15 million and $30 million. This consistency aims to streamline the application of rules and protections across different types of interactive media projects.
In summary, the Independent Interactive Localization Agreement by SAG-AFTRA is a strategic move to protect performers in the burgeoning sector of video game localization from the U.S., offering them AI safeguards, better session flexibility, and more job opportunities. In addition, with the new Producer’s Guide, it is designed to foster more collaboration between international developers and U.S. union talent, acknowledging the increasing number of high-quality games from abroad that require localization. For companies that sign this agreement, there is an immediate benefit of accessing skilled, unionized performers for localization work, which will enhance the quality of their game in the U.S. market. Non-union voice actors should take note of these new rates and actor voiceprint rights and adjust their collaboration with producers accordingly.