SAG-AFTRA calls for strike action against League of Legends

Formosa Interactive is a support studio that provides assistance to other game developers in a variety of fields, including art, production, sound design, voiceover, and more. According to SAG-AFTRA, the studio attempted to cancel one of its shows after the strike began in July. When that didn’t work, SAG-AFTRA says Formosa then secretly referred the game to what the union described as a shell company and then issued calls seeking only non-union talent.

In response, SAG-AFTRA filed a labor complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Formosa Interactive and added the studio’s highest-profile game – League of Legends — on the list of games played by the union.

“Unfair labor practices are unacceptable and will not be tolerated by SAG-AFTRA members,” said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA national director and chief negotiator. “Formosa will respond, starting with a quick strike by League of Legends.”

The video game strike began on July 26 after SAG-AFTRA and the video game publishers’ negotiating committee – of which Formosa Interactive is a member – failed to reach an agreement on a new communications contract. According to SAG-AFTRA, the negotiating committee refused to extend AI protections to voice and animation actors, while publishers said the terms they offered were fair.

The Verge has reached out to both Riot Games and Formosa Interactive for comment.