US Video Game Actors Strike Against Maker of Popular Game ‘League of Legends’

By Danielle Broadway

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Union video game actors have filed an unfair labor practice charge and announced a strike against Formosa Interactive, the company providing voiceover services for the highly popular online game "League of Legends," according to the actors’ union.

Members of SAG-AFTRA have ceased to provide covered performance services for "League of Legends," and the union has designated the game as one under strike.

The union’s complaint alleges that Formosa attempted to "cancel" one of its struck games shortly after the initiation of SAG-AFTRA’s video game strike. When informed that this was not permissible, the company allegedly transferred the game to a shell company and began casting calls for "NON-UNION" talent exclusively.

The union contends that this transfer infringes on the performers’ right to strike as protected by labor laws.

Formosa Interactive has not responded to requests for comment regarding the situation.

In contrast, Riot Games issued a statement asserting that "League of Legends" is not connected to the union’s allegations and emphasized that it has "never once suggested" that Formosa engage with non-union performers. The company also clarified that it had not requested Formosa to cancel any previously registered game.

"League of Legends," known for its free-to-play model and emphasis on teamwork, is among the most popular games worldwide, featuring one of the largest Esports competitions.

The League of Legends World Championship allows international teams to compete for significant financial rewards distributed among participants.

This strike follows the union’s recent accomplishments, including securing legal protections against artificial intelligence for Hollywood performers, which were endorsed by California Governor Gavin Newsom in September, as well as a deal established with major record labels earlier this year.