Mega Man: Dual Override Hit With “Do Not Work Order” by SAG-AFTRA

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Capcom’s new Mega Man game, Mega Man: Dual Override, is running into a snag with voice acting. The actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, has issued a work stoppage order for the game, causing Ben Diskin—who voiced Mega Man in Mega Man 11—to step down from the role.

Voice actor Diskin shared on BlueSky that Capcom asked him to reprise his role in Mega Man: Dual Override, but with a catch: the job wouldn’t be covered by standard union protections offered through SAG-AFTRA. Capcom assured him they had written guarantees preventing his voice from being used for A.I. training, but confirmed the project wouldn’t be a union one.

He explained that while he was grateful for their understanding of his concerns about AI, he couldn’t work without a contract he could actually enforce. He pointed out that enforcing agreements like this, which aren’t covered by a union, would mean potentially suing a large company like Capcom if he suspected they’d used AI. He simply didn’t have the resources – emotionally, mentally, or financially – to handle a long and difficult legal battle.

Diskin acknowledges he doesn’t personally believe Capcom would use AI to replace developers, but realistically, he doesn’t trust large companies to prioritize people over profits. He explained that with widespread layoffs and instability in the gaming industry, a union contract is the only way he feels secure in his job.

I really hope Capcom would just talk to SAG-AFTRA about making this game with a union. I even told them I’d be okay with a lower-paying union contract if it meant we could get it done. Honestly, money wasn’t my main concern here.

I was thrilled to be the voice of Mega Man in Mega Man 11, which became the most successful game in the series. It’s been amazing to see Mega Man become a gaming icon again.

SAG-AFTRA’s “Do Not Work Order” means that working on a project with this order in place could break the union’s main rule. If an actor does this, they could face a hefty fine or even be kicked out of the union.

The union announced that the producer of the video game Mega Man: Dual Override hasn’t signed the necessary paperwork. Because of this, SAG-AFTRA members are instructed to stop working on the game until the union says it’s okay to resume. Working on Mega Man: Dual Override while this order is in place could be a violation of union rules and may lead to disciplinary action.

The game Mega Man: Dual Override was first announced in December and is scheduled for release on PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch in 2027. The announcement trailer showed off the familiar, fast-paced side-scrolling action and platforming that fans expect.

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2026-03-11 16:11