New AFM Agreement for Video Games Announced

July 3, 2014

The AFM has developed a new agreement in collaboration with Microsoft Corporation covering professional musicians employed in the making of video game soundtracks. The new agreement, which extends through December 2016, is effective immediately and is the result of discussions between the AFM and Microsoft that began early last year.

“We are pleased that one of the world’s leading publishers of video games has endorsed our new game agreement,” said AFM International President Ray Hair. “We enjoyed working on the agreement with the Microsoft team and we are happy that our members will be afforded better wages and additional use protections when recording soundtracks for Microsoft and other video game publishers.”

“The talent and artistry of the AFM is truly world class, and we are thrilled with the opportunity to continue to create award-winning music together,” said Paul Lipson, Microsoft Studios senior audio director. “Our partnership collaboration with the AFM has remained strong over the years, and this new agreement reflects the collaborative spirit and positive communication we enjoy with the AFM leadership and its members.”

The new AFM Video Game Agreement replaces all previous agreements promulgated over the last several years. It contains new provisions that permit game publishers to use tracks recorded for a particular video game across all platforms applicable to a game franchise or series. The agreement will be submitted to AFM members engaged in recording game soundtracks for approval, a process that is expected to conclude in 60 days.