SAG-AFTRA Calls for Strike Against League of Legends Voice Actor Over Alleged Labor Law Violations
Understanding the Role of Formosa Interactive in the Gaming Industry
Voice acting in gaming is a complex and costly process involving many specialized skills. Tasks such as casting, directing, foley, and project integration often require more resources than most gaming studios can afford. This is where contractors like Formosa Interactive come into play. Formosa handles these intricate aspects for larger gaming companies, including major titles like League of Legends and Genshin Impact.
Allegations of Labor Law Violations by Formosa
SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, has accused Formosa Interactive of violating labor laws in connection with the ongoing voice actor strike. The union claims that Formosa tried to cancel a game affected by the strike, which is illegal under current labor laws. When informed of this, Formosa allegedly transferred the ongoing project to a shell company and put out non-union casting calls to replace striking union members. This action is seen as an attempt to undermine the strike.
Impact on League of Legends
As Formosa is a contractor for Riot Games, the company behind League of Legends, the allegations have drawn significant attention to the popular game. The actors’ union has added Formosa—and by extension, its clients like League of Legends—to its list of struck companies. This means that upcoming updates for League of Legends might lack new voice lines, as the strike could disrupt the production schedule.
Riot Games’ Response to the Allegations
Riot Games has issued a statement clarifying that the allegations against Formosa do not involve League of Legends. According to Riot, all projects involving Formosa have adhered to union agreements. The company emphasized that the controversial project mentioned by SAG-AFTRA is related to another client of Formosa, not Riot or League of Legends.
Broader Industry Impact
The SAG-AFTRA strike is part of a larger movement against the increasing use of AI in voice acting, which threatens the livelihoods of human actors. The strike aims to push large gaming companies to adopt protections against AI. While some major games like GTA 6 have reportedly struck deals to remain unaffected, the broader industry is experiencing a turbulent period. Companies are looking for ways to keep their projects moving, even if it means resorting to controversial methods.
Future Outlook
The ongoing strike highlights the precarious balance between technological advancement and job security in the gaming industry. As companies navigate these challenges, the hope is that the reliance on AI will diminish, allowing creatives to focus on what truly matters: creating engaging and immersive gaming experiences.
