SAG-AFTRA Initiates Strike Against League of Legends, Accuses Formosa of Unfair Labor Practices

Riot Games has released a statement claiming that the SAG-AFTRA complaint has no connection to League of Legends or any of their other games. In a statement to GamesIndustry.biz, the company clarified that since becoming a union project, League of Legends has only requested that Formosa work with union performers in the US and has never suggested otherwise. Additionally, they stated that they have never asked Formosa to cancel a registered game, and all allegations regarding canceling a game or hiring non-union talent pertain to a non-Riot game. The original dispute began when SAG-AFTRA accused Formosa Interactive of attempting to undermine the video game strike. The union believes Formosa's actions are a blatant violation of labor law and has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. The complaint stems from Formosa's alleged attempt to cancel a struck video game and subsequent transfer of the game to a shell company, where they posted casting notices for non-union talent only. SAG-AFTRA argues that these actions are severe violations of labor law, including the right to form or join a union and the prohibition on discriminating against union performers. The union's national executive director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, condemned Formosa's actions, stating that committing unfair labor practices is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. SAG-AFTRA initiated the strike after failing to reach an agreement with the convenience bargaining group over concerns related to AI technologies. Despite the strike, the performers union has secured agreements with developers of 80 upcoming games, focusing on better conditions for actors, including protection against AI use.