Riot Games Faces Union Backlash as SAG-AFTRA Adds League of Legends to Ongoing Strike

In a bold move, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has escalated its ongoing video game strike by adding one of the world's most popular titles, Riot's League of Legends, to the list of struck games. The decision comes amid accusations that the post-production studio handling the game's voice acting, Formosa Interactive, is attempting to circumvent union rules by hiring non-union actors for a separate project.

Championing Union Performers or Evading Responsibilities?

Allegations of Unfair Labor Practices

According to SAG-AFTRA's statement, Formosa Interactive, a signatory to the guild's Interactive Media Agreement and the company responsible for providing voiceover services to Riot Games, has committed a "flagrant violation of labor law." The guild claims that Formosa tried to cancel one of its current video games in development shortly after the start of the strike in July, and when informed that this was not possible, transferred the game to a shell company that issued casting calls for non-union talent only.

Undermining Union Performers' Rights

SAG-AFTRA asserts that these actions are "egregious violations of core tenets of labor law," as employers cannot interfere with performers' rights to form or join a union, nor can they discriminate against union performers. The guild views the "unilateral and surreptitious transfer of union work to a 'non-union' shell company" as an impermissible and appalling attempt to evade the strike action and destroy performers' rights under labor law.

Formosa's Extensive Reach in the Gaming Industry

Formosa Interactive is a prominent provider of voice services for several of the most popular titles in gaming, including EA Sports' "Madden NFL" series, Sony's "God of War," and Naughty Dog's "The Last of Us." The company's alleged actions in the League of Legends dispute have raised concerns about its broader impact on the industry's labor landscape.

League of Legends Joins the Fray

The addition of League of Legends to the list of struck games is particularly significant, as the game has a large and dedicated fan base that eagerly awaits the annual World Championships, one of the most watched esports tournaments globally. Sarah Elmaleh, the chair of SAG-AFTRA's negotiating committee for the Interactive Media Agreement, expressed disappointment in Formosa's choices, stating that the company has chosen to "try to evade and abandon" the union performers who bring their "immense talent and experience to beloved characters."

The Ongoing Dispute and AI Protections

The current video game strike revolves around a single issue: terms on consent and compensation protections around artificial intelligence (AI) for actors and motion capture performers. While SAG-AFTRA and the agreement signatories have come to terms on all other contract issues, the guild claims that the companies' offer on AI protections would only cover guild members playing roles with a likeness that resembles them, leaving the vast majority of roles unprotected. The guild has created an interim agreement to allow video game developers to employ union voice actors if they agree to stronger AI protections.

Accountability and Consequences

SAG-AFTRA has made it clear that Formosa's alleged actions will not be tolerated, and the company will be held accountable. National executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated that the "illegal unfair labor practices" committed by Formosa are "beyond the pale" and that the guild's members will not stand for such behavior. The immediate strike of League of Legends is just the beginning of the consequences Formosa may face.As the video game industry continues to grapple with labor disputes and the evolving landscape of AI and technology, the outcome of this conflict between SAG-AFTRA and Formosa Interactive will have far-reaching implications for the rights and protections of union performers in the gaming world.