Union video game actors have taken a stand against Formosa Interactive, a company that provides voice-over services for the popular online game League of Legends, by filing an unfair labor practice charge and declaring a strike. SAG-AFTRA union members have ceased providing services to League of Legends, listing it as a struck game in response to a complaint filed against Formosa for attempting to “cancel” a struck game and transferring it to a shell company for casting notices seeking non-union talent only. This action by Formosa violates the rights of performers to strike under labor laws, according to the union. Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, distanced themselves from the union’s claims, stating that they had not suggested engaging with non-union performers or canceling a previously registered game.
Despite the ongoing strike in the video game industry, League of Legends continues to be a popular game with a massive player base and involvement in Esports competitions. The League of Legends World Championship attracts teams from around the world, competing for millions of dollars in prizes. This strike is part of the union’s recent efforts to secure legal protections for Hollywood performers against AI and reach favorable agreements with major record labels. The strike highlights the ongoing issues faced by video game actors in terms of fair labor practices and treatment within the industry.
The actions taken by SAG-AFTRA and its members against Formosa Interactive demonstrate the union’s commitment to protecting the rights and interests of video game actors. By filing an unfair labor practice charge and initiating a strike, the union is taking a stand against companies that violate performers’ rights and undermine labor laws. League of Legends, a popular game developed by Riot Games, has become embroiled in this dispute due to its association with Formosa Interactive, shedding light on the complexities of the relationships within the video game industry.
Despite Riot Games’ statement distancing itself from the union’s claims and denying any involvement in the dispute, the strike and allegations against Formosa Interactive continue to draw attention to the treatment of video game actors. The transfer of a struck game to a shell company for the recruitment of non-union talent raises concerns about the industry’s practices and the need for transparency and accountability in working with performers. As the strike unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of fair labor practices and the rights of performers in the evolving landscape of the video game industry.
The participation of SAG-AFTRA members in the strike against Formosa Interactive reflects the ongoing efforts to address labor issues in the video game industry and promote fair treatment for performers. The union’s actions highlight the challenges faced by video game actors in negotiating and securing equitable working conditions within the industry. League of Legends’ involvement in this dispute underscores the impact of labor disputes on popular games and the wider gaming community, raising awareness of the issues faced by performers and the need for industry-wide reforms to ensure fair treatment and protection for all actors.
