As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I find myself deeply troubled by this latest turn of events involving League of Legends and SAG-AFTRA. The gaming world has always been a unique blend of artistry, technology, and camaraderie, and to see such a dispute escalate to the point of a strike is disheartening.
The actors’ union in Hollywood has announced a work stoppage on one of the video game industry’s most prominent and well-known games.
On Tuesday, SAG-AFTRA declared that its members should stop working on the multiplayer online game League of Legends, following producer Formosa Interactive’s alleged attempts to undermine the union’s ongoing video game strike for an unspecified different title. In response, the union is initiating a work stoppage against League of Legends, a game not previously involved in the strike and one of Formosa Interactive’s most prominent projects (the company has also contributed to God of War and Madden NFL 24).
According to the union, Formosa Interactive – an offshoot specializing in interactivity within the postproduction audio firm Formosa Group – is responsible for delivering voiceovers for League of Legends.
Formosa Interactive, a member of the negotiating team at odds with the union over a proposed Interactive Media Agreement, was accused by the union of misrepresenting their intention to drop one of their titles impacted by the ongoing video game strike. When the union opposed this request, the company allegedly tried to bypass the labor union by hiring non-union actors indirectly through a shell company for the same game.
The union, SAG-AFTRA, has accused a company of breaking labor laws by preventing performers from joining unions and unfairly treating those who are part of the union. They have submitted an unfair labor practice complaint to the National Labor Relations Board regarding this alleged violation. According to the union, these actions are flagrant disregards for fundamental principles of labor law.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Formosa Interactive for comment.
As a dedicated gamer and member of SAG-AFTRA, I’m speaking out against companies like Formosa who refuse to accept fair AI terms that have been agreed upon by the film, TV, streaming, music industries, as well as over 90 game developers. It’s not just about the games; it’s about standing up for what’s right. When they resort to illegal unfair labor practices, they cross a line we won’t tolerate. We’re taking a stand, starting with an immediate strike on League of Legends. Formosa needs to know they’ll be held accountable for their actions.
More to come.
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2024-09-24 22:29