SAG-AFTRA initiates a strike targeting "League of Legends" and submits an unfair labor practice complaint against Formosa

Update: Riot Games has clarified that it is not involved in the situation described in SAG-AFTRA’s announcement.

Riot Games shared with GamesIndustry.biz that "League of Legends does not pertain to the accusations in the SAG-AFTRA press release.

"Since League of Legends became a union project five years ago, we have consistently worked with Formosa to involve Union actors in the US, and we have never proposed otherwise.

"Moreover, we haven’t suggested Formosa cancel any registered game. All allegations concerning game cancellation or non-union hiring pertain to a different company and not to League of Legends or any of our titles."

The original report proceeds below.

Initial report: SAG-AFTRA has initiated a strike targeting League of Legends following claims that Formosa Interactive attempted to sidestep a video game strike.

In their announcement, the union accused Formosa Interactive, a service provider to multiple major gaming studios, of "flouting labor laws," prompting an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.

The accusation arises from Formosa's efforts to 'nullify' one of its affected video games soon after the commencement of SAG-AFTRA's strike, as per the union.

After being advised this wasn't possible, Formosa allegedly relocated the game to a subsidiary and circulated casting calls solely for 'Non-union' actors.

SAG-AFTRA maintained that these grave actions blatantly breach fundamental labor law principles, which prohibit employers from disrupting performers' union activities or discriminating against union members.

The union stated, "Transferring union work clandestinely to a non-union outfit to circumvent strike action is an unlawful and reprehensible breach of labor rights."

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the national executive director and chief negotiator, added, "It's unacceptable that Formosa and others are unwilling to adopt fair AI terms that have been accepted by film, TV, streaming, and music sectors, plus over 90 other game developers."

He continued, "Engaging in illegal labor violations is inexcusable and will not be overlooked by SAG-AFTRA members. We will hold Formosa accountable with an immediate strike on League of Legends."

SAG-AFTRA voted to strike at the end of July due to unresolved negotiations with a bargaining group about AI and other rights and protections.

Meanwhile, SAG-AFTRA has brokered deals with developers for 80 upcoming games as part of its ongoing efforts to advocate for enhanced working conditions for actors, amid rising AI concerns. More details are available here.