Hollywood actors unions have reached a contract deal with video game publishers, accepting higher pay instead of the profit-sharing they had demanded, the unions said on Wednesday, removing the threat of a strike.
The three-and-a-half-year agreements with game companies came as the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists were preparing to announce the results of a strike vote.
Unions had sought to win profit-sharing, known as residual payments, from game publishers.
Under the new agreements, union performers will get a 36 percent increase in minimum pay over the term, increases in benefit contributions and greater protection. The agreements are subject to final approval by the unions.
Members' three-year interactive game contracts expired in December. Negotiations started on Feb. 15 but broke down on May 13.
Hollywood plays an increasingly important role in the video game industry, which like U.S. movie ticket sales brings in around $10 billion in annual revenue.
Game developers increasingly tap movie stars to bring life to characters or for film tie-ins.
More than 70 game publishers had arrangements with the two unions, whose combined membership numbers around 3,000.
