League of Legends now hit by SAG-AFTRA Strikes

League of Legends is now stuck in a crossfire from SAG-AFTRA after the union filed a violation of labor law against Formosa Interactive LLC for an unfair labor practice charge. Formosa is an audio company that provides voice-overs. The decision came after Formosa attempted to bypass the strike by hiring non-union actors for an untitled game.

After the SAG-AFTRA strike, Formosa tried to cancel the game and after finding out it was not possible, the company tried to transfer the game to a shell company. In the process, casting notices were sent out to non-union talent only to evade the strike.

League of Legends punished for Formosa’s action

Since Formosa is the one providing voiceovers to Riot Games for League of Legends, the game is now under fire by SAG-AFTRA. The decision came unanimously from the committee and all members were asked to stop providing services to League of Legends.

“In light of Formosa’s unfair labor practices, SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director, with the advice and consent of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee, has called a strike of League of Legends, one of the company’s most high-profile games,” the official statement read.

League of Legends was one of the games alongside GTA 6 that was not affected by the strike, possibly due to how long the development has been going on. The strike originally started back in July over concerns of companies using AI.

Also Read: GTA 6 release unaffected by SAG-AFTRA union strike

“It’s bad enough that Formosa and other companies are refusing to agree to the fair A.I. terms that have been agreed to by the film, television, streaming, and music industries, as well as more than 90 other game developers,” said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator

“To commit illegal unfair labor practices is beyond the pale and won’t be tolerated by SAG-AFTRA members. Formosa will be held accountable, starting with an immediate strike of League of Legends,” he further added.