League of Legends to Suspend English Voiceovers Amid Actors’ Strike

Riot Games has officially announced the suspension of English voiceovers for new skins in both League of Legends and Wild Rift, citing the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike as the reason for this decision. This move comes as the studio seeks to align with industry standards and show solidarity with the voice actors affected by the strike.
The SAG-AFTRA strike has highlighted concerns over fair wages, working conditions, and the use of artificial intelligence in voice acting, impacting various entertainment sectors, including video games. As a result, many studios are reevaluating their projects and timelines to ensure they comply with the strike’s demands.

In their statement, Riot Games emphasized their commitment to supporting the voice acting community and expressed hope for a resolution that benefits all parties involved. Players can expect delays in the release of new skins, which often feature unique character voiceovers that enhance the gaming experience. This pause will affect upcoming content releases, and fans may have to wait longer to enjoy the new skins they were looking forward to.
Riot also reassured the community that they are actively exploring ways to address the situation while maintaining the quality and creativity fans have come to expect from their games. The studio values its collaboration with voice actors and acknowledges their crucial role in bringing characters to life.

As the strike continues, Riot Games will keep players informed about any further developments regarding voiceovers and upcoming content. The community’s understanding and support during this time are appreciated as the studio navigates these challenges in the gaming industry.

Riot Games Suspends English Voiceovers Amid SAG-AFTRA Strike

Due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, Riot Games has announced that it will not be recording custom English voiceovers for new skins currently in development by US actors. Instead, the company will utilize the standard voiceovers already present in the game for the duration of the boycott. This decision highlights the impact of the strike on the gaming industry, demonstrating how labor disputes can influence game development and player experiences. Notably, this change will only affect the English localization; skins in other languages will still feature new voiceovers, ensuring that international players can enjoy the fresh content as intended.
The strike, which began in late September 2024, has brought significant attention to issues surrounding labor practices in the gaming industry. SAG-AFTRA members have accused Formosa Interactive, the studio responsible for producing voice acting and soundtracks for several major game developers, including Riot Games, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, and Microsoft, of violating US labor laws. These allegations include claims of unfair labor practices, inadequate compensation, and insufficient working conditions for voice actors.

In response to these grievances, voice actors decided to boycott Riot Games, viewing League of Legends as one of the company’s flagship projects. This boycott reflects broader concerns within the entertainment industry regarding the treatment of voice actors, particularly as video games increasingly rely on high-quality voice work to enhance storytelling and character development. The decision to halt English voiceovers is a direct consequence of the strike, underscoring the solidarity among actors who are advocating for fair treatment and better working conditions.
Riot Games has expressed its support for the voice acting community and acknowledges the importance of their contributions to the gaming experience. The studio is committed to maintaining high standards for its games and is working to find solutions that align with the ongoing labor movement while still delivering engaging content to players. While the pause on English voiceovers may disappoint some fans eagerly anticipating new skins, Riot hopes to resolve the situation amicably and resume normal operations as soon as possible.

As the strike continues, the gaming community is left to ponder the implications of these labor disputes on the future of game development and the quality of content. The situation also raises questions about the use of artificial intelligence in voice acting, as actors are increasingly concerned about how technology might impact their livelihoods. This broader conversation about technology’s role in creative industries will likely shape the future landscape of video game production.

Riot Games has committed to keeping players informed about any developments related to the strike and its impact on upcoming content releases. The company appreciates the understanding and patience of its community during these unprecedented times, as both developers and voice actors navigate the complexities of labor relations in the gaming industry. As the situation unfolds, it remains clear that the voices behind the characters in beloved games like League of Legends play a vital role in creating immersive experiences, and their rights and well-being are essential to the future of the industry.