Riot Games has announced changes to its voiceover process for League of Legends and Wild Rift as the SAG-AFTRA strike continues unabated, now entering its fifth month. The video game giant has decided to temporarily use existing voiceovers instead of recording new lines with different actors, as it seeks to respect the rights of voice actors affected by the strike.
According to Riot, this decision will primarily affect English-language skins for champions with U.S.-based voice actors. The company stated, "During the strike, we’ll have to adjust how we handle English-language VO for certain skins to deliver new content." They confirmed they would revert to new recordings once the strike concludes. Riot Games emphasized the necessity of this measure to keep their content flowing, saying, "We know this isn’t ideal, and we understand it’s frustrating to have to wait for custom VO, but this approach lets us respect the strike."
Riot’s move, though seemingly respectful, has attracted ire from voice actors within the industry. The actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, has been advocating for AI protections amid concerns about voice actors’ rights. Although Riot Games is not directly targeted by the strike, the company works closely with Formosa Interactive, the studio handling its U.S. voiceover work, which has been named by SAG-AFTRA as part of the strike's focus.
Anairis Quinones, who has been vocal about the strike, called attention to the dynamics between Riot and the studio on social media. She stated, "The recording studios they work with are at the behest of their client; if Riot wants to sign the interim contract... the studio will make it happen." This comment raises questions about the responsibility and influence Riot holds over the decision-making processes within the studios operating its voiceover work.
Riot's announcement on their X account details the strategy to keep their game current without crossing picket lines, noting, "Once the strike ends, we’ll record new VO with the original actors." This framing might aim to position the company as responsive to artists' concerns, yet many voice actors feel this does not go far enough.
Critics, including Quinones, have expressed dismay at Riot's position. "Let’s translate the marketing... They don’t want to sign the contract to protect and promise their VOs won’t be used for AI, and would rather starve them through the holidays and wait for them to stop fighting." This sentiment resonates among other affected voice actors who share similar concerns, insisting more can be done to engage with union performers to secure their rights and livelihoods.
The SAG-AFTRA strike, which began last July, sought to address the lack of AI protections for voice actors, leading to this significant ripple effect across the industry, including title giants like Riot Games. The union's efforts culminated months ago, extending to League of Legends and highlighting the larger systemic issues players and developers face.
Although the company maintains its innocence by asserting it has asked Formosa to engage with union performers, the connection remains tenuous. Critics argue Riot has ample leverage to push for interim agreements with the studios they contract, complicity drawing ire from unions and actors alike.
The situation encapsulates the broader concern over company practices affecting the workforce, where gaming giants like Riot interact with smaller independent studios such as Formosa. Activist voices like Quinones underline the imbalance of the relationship, reminding us of the ultimate power held by companies over their collaborators.
Overall, Riot's approach serves to highlight the tension between business operations and the pressing need for fair labor practices within the industry. Gamers watching this debacle may find themselves caught between enjoying new content and advocating for the rights of those who bring their favorite characters to life.
Once the strike concludes, the impact on Riot and its voice actors will reveal itself. Current frustrations might just be the tip of the iceberg, as many voice actors await changes with bated breath. Until then, the call for solidarity and respect for voice actors continues, underscoring the importance of fair practices in video games and beyond.
