League of Legends, one of the most popular PC games in the world, has become the subject of a proposed strike by actors’ union SAG-AFTRA. The organization claims that it has targeted Riot’s MOBA over an audio company that provides voiceover services for the game.
The union has been in a dispute with game publishers over the use of generative AI for their voices and likeness. In July, SAG-AFTRA performers who work on video games began striking after 18 months of negotiations broke down. The union has now called a strike against production company Formosa Interactive, which provides audio and art services to several studios, including League of Legends.
SAG-AFTRA accuses Formosa of trying to subvert the strike by attempting to cancel one of its video games after the strike began. The union claims that when Formosa was told that was not possible, it secretly transferred the game to a shell company and sent out casting notices for non-union talent only.
Riot Games has issued a statement saying that it has nothing to do with the complaint mentioned in SAG-AFTRA’s press release. The studio claims that it has only asked Formosa to engage with union performers in the US and has never once suggested doing otherwise.
The move means SAG-AFTRA members must stop providing services to the game. The union has filed an unfair labor practice against Formosa with the National Labor Relations Board.
This development is the latest in an ongoing dispute between SAG-AFTRA and game publishers over the use of AI in video games. The strike is expected to have a significant impact on the gaming industry, with many popular titles affected.