The video game actors' union said it filed unfair labor practice charges and declared a strike on Tuesday against Formosa Interactive Co., which provides voiceover services for the popular online game “League of Legends.”
SAG-AFTRA union members have stopped providing covered performance services to “League of Legends,” and the massively multiplayer online battle arena game developed by Riot Games in 2009 is now listed as a banned game by the union.
“The complaint came after Formosa tried to 'cancel' one of its video games shortly after the season began.” SAG-AFTRA's video game strikethe union said in a statement.
“When he was told this wasn't possible, he secretly transferred the game to a shell company and sent out casting notices only for 'non-union' talent.”
The union said the transfer violated the artistes’ right to strike under labor laws.
Formosa said it rejects SAG-AFTRA's allegations and has not undermined the union's rights in any way.
“We believe the ban on 'League of Legends,' which is unrelated to the union's claims, is not appropriate,” the statement said.
Formosa said it “stands with developers, publishers, platform holders and talents” and promotes ethical game development.
Riot Games said in a statement Tuesday that “League of Legends” has nothing to do with the union's claims and that it “never suggested” that Formosa should join forces with non-union casters.
The US video game developer also said it had not asked Formosa to cancel pre-registered games.
Known for its free-to-play structure and team collaboration, “League of Legends” is one of the most popular games in the world and one of the biggest esports competitions.
The League of Legends World Championship provides teams from around the world with the opportunity to compete for millions of dollars, which is distributed among the members.
The strike follows legal protections against artificial intelligence (AI) for Hollywood artists signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom in September, as well as a deal reached with major record labels such as Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment in April.
