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US video game actors call strike on maker of popular game 'League of Legends'

This strike follows the union’s recent gains with legal protections against artificial intelligence

Published: Wed 25 Sep 2024, 11:13 AM

Updated: Wed 25 Sep 2024, 11:14 AM

  • By
  • Reuters

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SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating (IMA) Committee member Sarah Elmaleh (R) and SAG-AFTRA leadership including National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland (L) join protesters as the SAG-AFTRA video game strike continues outside Disney Character Voices, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, in Burbank, California.(Photo by AFP)

SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating (IMA) Committee member Sarah Elmaleh (R) and SAG-AFTRA leadership including National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland (L) join protesters as the SAG-AFTRA video game strike continues outside Disney Character Voices, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, in Burbank, California.(Photo by AFP)

Union video game actors filed an unfair labour practice charge and declared a strike on Tuesday against the company Formosa Interactive, which provides voice-over services for the popular online game League of Legends, the actors’ union said.

SAG-AFTRA union members have stopped providing covered performance services to League of Legends, and the massive multiplayer online battle arena game, developed by Riot Games in 2009, is now listed by the union as a struck game.

“The complaint comes after Formosa tried to 'cancel' one of its struck video games shortly after the start of SAG-AFTRA’s video game strike,” the union said in a statement.

“When they were told that was not possible, they secretly transferred the game to a shell company and sent out casting notices for 'NON-UNION' talent only."

The union said the transfer violated performers’ rights to strike under labour laws.

Formosa Interactive did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Riot Games said in a statement on Tuesday that League of Legends had nothing to do with the union’s claims and had "never once suggested" Formosa should engage with non-union performers.

The American video game developer also said it had not asked Formosa to cancel a previously registered game.

Known for its free-to-play structure and team collaboration, League of Legends is one of the most popular games in the world with one of the largest Esports competitions.

The League of Legends World Championship gives teams from around the globe the opportunity to compete for millions of dollars that are distributed among members.

This strike follows the union’s recent gains with legal protections against artificial intelligence (AI) for Hollywood performers 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.

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