Actors' Union Strikes Back: Formosa Interactive Faces Backlash for Alleged Labor Law Violations

The entertainment industry is once again embroiled in a labor dispute, this time pitting the actors' union SAG-AFTRA against one of the video game industry's most prominent players, Formosa Interactive. The union has accused the company of attempting to circumvent its ongoing video game strike, leading to a retaliatory work stoppage against one of Formosa's most successful titles, League of Legends.

Actors' Union Flexes Its Muscle in the Digital Age

Formosa Interactive Accused of Unfair Labor Practices

According to the union, Formosa Interactive, a subsidiary of the postproduction audio company Formosa Group, has been providing voiceover work for the popular multiplayer online game League of Legends. However, the union alleges that the company has tried to "subvert" its ongoing video game strike by attempting to hire non-union performers through a shell company for a separate, unnamed title.The union has responded by calling a work stoppage against League of Legends, a game that was not previously affected by the strike. SAG-AFTRA claims that this action is a direct response to Formosa Interactive's "egregious violations of core tenets of labor law," including interfering with performers' rights to form or join a union and discriminating against union performers.

Formosa Group Rejects Allegations, Riot Games Distances Itself

In a statement, the Formosa Group has firmly rejected SAG-AFTRA's allegations, stating that the company has "not acted in any manner to undermine employee or union rights, nor our relationship with the union." The company further argued that the strike against League of Legends, a game unrelated to the union's claims, is "not appropriate."Riot Games, the publisher of League of Legends, has also distanced itself from the dispute, noting that it has "nothing to do with the complaint" and that the game has only ever asked Formosa to engage with union performers in the United States.

The Ongoing Video Game Strike and Its Implications

The current dispute is part of a larger ongoing video game strike that began on July 26, 2022, after nearly two years of failed negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and top video game producers. The key sticking point in the negotiations has been the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in video game performances, with the union seeking to establish fair contract language to protect its members.During the work stoppage, SAG-AFTRA has been encouraging companies to sign its interim agreement or tiered-budget agreement, which includes the union's preferred AI contract language. The union has reported that 80 games have already signed on to these agreements, including titles such as Last Sentinel and ARK: Survival Evolved.

The Battle for the Future of Video Game Performances

The clash between SAG-AFTRA and Formosa Interactive highlights the growing importance of labor rights in the rapidly evolving video game industry. As technology continues to shape the way performances are captured and delivered, the union is determined to ensure that its members are fairly compensated and protected.The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for the industry, setting precedents for the use of AI and the rights of performers in the digital age. Both sides have drawn a line in the sand, and the battle for the future of video game performances is far from over.