League of Legends (LoL) is a phenomenon known for hosting millions of players worldwide and is one of the leading games in e-sports. However, in September 2024, the company behind this game, Formosa Interactive LLC, found itself at the center of a conflict with SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists). This conflict extended beyond just LoL; it brought broader issues such as workers’ rights and the use of artificial intelligence in the gaming industry to the forefront.
Events and Developments
On September 24, 2024, SAG-AFTRA called for a strike against LoL. This decision was made after Formosa Interactive LLC attempted to undermine the impact of SAG-AFTRA’s strike on its games, which was deemed an “outright violation of workers’ rights.” SAG-AFTRA alleged that Formosa Interactive was trying to cancel a project that fell under the scope of the strike and was attempting to hire replacement workers (scabs). This situation ignited discussions not only about LoL but also about workers’ rights and the use of artificial intelligence throughout the video game industry.
Background and Reasons for the Strike
The primary reasons behind the strike were the use of artificial intelligence and the protection of workers’ rights. SAG-AFTRA claimed that the artificial intelligence used in video games exploited the labor of motion capture workers. This threatened the job security of workers and the value of their labor in the future. Additionally, extensive layoffs in the gaming industry in 2023 and beyond raised concerns about the future sustainability of the game development process.
Outcomes and Expectations
This strike has become a significant turning point regarding how not only LoL but the entire video game industry may shape its future. SAG-AFTRA’s actions could reshape the industry’s approach to workers’ rights and the use of artificial intelligence. Although no definite timeframe has been established regarding the duration of the strike and its impact on game development, experts suggest that such issues typically need to be resolved by the end of 2024.