SAG-AFTRA is striking League of Legends, citing unfair labor practices

SAG-AFTRA is striking League of Legends, citing unfair labor practices

What you need to know

  • SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) is striking League of Legends, the uber-popular MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) game from developer and publisher Riot Games. 
  • According to SAG-AFTRA, sound and talent production company Formosa Interactive tried to subvert the general video game strike called earlier this year. 
  • SAG-AFTRA is filing an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that Formosa Interactive attempted to hire non-union talent.

As a seasoned tech enthusiast and long-time League of Legends player, this recent development has left me both disheartened and intrigued. On one hand, I’ve always admired the passion and dedication that SAG-AFTRA brings to their work, ensuring fair treatment for artists across various mediums. On the other, I can’t help but feel a twinge of concern over how this strike might affect the beloved world of Runeterra, especially with the highly anticipated League of Legends World Championship 2024 and the return of Arcane on the horizon.


One of the biggest games in the world is being struck. 

On Tuesday, SAG-AFTRA announced they are taking action against Riot Games (League of Legends). In a statement, the union claimed that Formosa Interactive, a sound and talent production company, attempted to undermine the game strike that was called in July 2024. According to the union, Formosa Interactive aimed to terminate a project already on strike. When told this wasn’t an option, the company allegedly tried to hire non-union workers via a front company instead.

In my role as a researcher, I am participating in actions that involve filing an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, and simultaneously, initiating a work stoppage against League of Legends – one of the many titles supported by Formosa Interactive. Previously, League of Legends was not encompassed within the scope of the general game strike.

SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, stated that it’s unacceptable that companies like Formosa and others are unwilling to accept the fair A.I. terms which have been accepted by the film, TV, streaming, music industries, over 90 game developers. Engaging in illegal unfair labor practices is intolerable and won’t be tolerated by SAG-AFTRA members. As a consequence, Formosa will face accountability starting with an immediate work stoppage on League of Legends.

Formosa Interactive is among several entities that engage in direct talks with SAG-AFTRA, which also includes developers, publishers, and production firms like Activision, Blindlight, Electronic Arts, Insomniac Games, and Take-Two Interactive. Recently, SAG-AFTRA has advocated for a work stoppage on new productions due to disagreements with these companies regarding the moral application of AI.

This strike comes as League of Legends and Arcane heat up

The timing of the strike is quite significant since the League of Legends World Championship 2024 commences on September 25. Simultaneously, the second and concluding season of Arcane, a series inspired by League of Legends, will debut on Netflix in November. This season is divided into three acts, with each act releasing an episode every week starting from November.

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2024-09-24 22:39