Actors Union Strikes Against "League of Legends" Amid Allegations of Unfair Labor Practices

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has called a strike against the popular multiplayer online game "League of Legends," accusing the game's production company, Formosa Interactive LLC, of attempting to circumvent the ongoing video game strike by hiring non-union actors. The union claims Formosa tried to "cancel" an unnamed video game affected by the strike and then secretly transferred the game to a shell company, seeking to hire only non-union talent.

Championing Union Performers or Evading Responsibilities?

Allegations of Unfair Labor Practices

SAG-AFTRA has accused Formosa of interfering with the rights of performers to form or join a union, as well as discriminating against those performers. The union has described these actions as "egregious violations of core tenets of labor law." Formosa, a union signatory, has not yet responded to the allegations.

The Ongoing Video Game Strike

The strike against major game companies was called by SAG-AFTRA in July, following more than a year of negotiations around the union's interactive media agreement. The key issue at the heart of the strike is the use of unregulated artificial intelligence, which the union has been seeking to address.

Formosa's Involvement and Riot Games' Response

"League of Legends" is one of Formosa's most well-known projects, with the company providing voiceover services for the game. However, Riot Games, the developer of "League of Legends," has stated that the company "has nothing to do" with the union's complaint, which is related to a non-Riot game.

Championing Union Performers or Evading Responsibilities?

SAG-AFTRA has expressed disappointment in Formosa's actions, 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 union has called this "double-dealing" from a longtime committed union signatory.

The Importance of Fair Practices in the Gaming Industry

The union's national executive director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, has emphasized the importance of fair AI terms in the gaming industry, noting that Formosa and other companies are "refusing to agree to the fair AI terms that have been agreed to by the film, television, streaming, and music industries, as well as more than 90 other game developers."

The Impact on "League of Legends"

As a result of the strike, SAG-AFTRA members must immediately stop providing covered services to "League of Legends." Until Tuesday, the game was one of several titles that remained unstruck, but the union's actions have now brought it into the ongoing labor dispute.In conclusion, the allegations against Formosa Interactive LLC have cast a shadow over the production of "League of Legends," a beloved game that has now become embroiled in the broader conflict between the actors' union and the gaming industry. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the rights and protections of performers in the rapidly evolving world of video game development.