SAG-AFTRA STRIKES LEAGUE OF LEGENDS IN LABOR LAW FIGHT

SAG-AFTRA has called for a strike against League of Legends over alleged labor law violations committed by Formosa Interactive LLC, the company handling voice acting for the game. The union accused Formosa of attempting to circumvent ongoing negotiations by transferring the game to a different entity and hiring non-union actors. As a result, all SAG-AFTRA members are prohibited from providing union-covered services for League of Legends. Riot Games has distanced itself from the allegations, emphasizing that they have always engaged with union performers and that the issues pertain to a non-Riot title. The strike emphasizes ongoing concerns over artificial intelligence in the gaming industry, with calls for equitable agreements to protect performers.

The strike specifically affects the provision of union-covered services related to voice acting in League of Legends, which may disrupt the production of new content and the game's updates. The future of casting and actor engagement in the game may also be re-evaluated in light of this labor dispute.

League of Legends, developed by Riot Games, is a highly popular multiplayer online battle arena game that has been a significant player in the gaming industry since its release in 2009. The game has consistently evolved with frequent updates, new champions, and competitive events, making it a staple for esports and casual gamers alike. The current labor strife emphasizes the ongoing struggles actors face in the gaming sector, particularly regarding rights and the use of emerging technologies like AI.