Formosa Interactive is a support studio that provides assistance to other game developers across a range of disciplines, including art, production, sound design, voice acting, and more. According to SAG-AFTRA, the studio attempted to cancel one of its games after the strike began in July. When the move was unsuccessful, SAG-AFTRA claims Formosa then secretly transferred the game to what the union said was a shell company and subsequently conducted castings specifically for non-union talent.
In response, SAG-AFTRA has filed an unfair labor complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Formosa Interactive, adding the studio’s most high-profile game— League of Legends — List of popular games to join the league.
“Carrying out unlawful unfair labor practices is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by SAG-AFTRA members,” said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator. Plastics will be held accountable, starting with an immediate strike League of Legends”.
The video game strike began on July 26 after SAG-AFTRA and the Video Game Publishers Bargaining Committee, of which Formosa Interactive is a member, failed to reach an agreement on a new interactive media contract. According to SAG-AFTRA, the negotiating committee declined to extend AI protections to voice and motion performers, while publishers argued the terms they offered were fair.
edge Riot Games and Formosa Interactive have been contacted for comment.
