SAG-AFTRA has filed a “Do Not Work Order” against Mega Man: Dual Override, an upcoming title from Capcom. The order means the publisher will likely face difficulties hiring union actors for the game. The move follows the departure of voice actor Ben Diskin, who announced that he would no longer play the role of Mega Man after being told his contract would not include protections provided to members of the union.
In a thread on Bluesky, Diskin revealed he was assured “full A.I. protections in place that guarantee in writing that [my] voice will never be used for A.I. development,” by the company, but the project would not be a union production. “While I certainly appreciate the acknowledgement of the concern around AI, working without a contract I can realistically enforce isn’t something I can risk,” he wrote. “The only way to enforce non-union contracts like this involves personally taking giant companies like Capcom to court and suing if I thought they’d used AI. I don’t have the mental, emotional, or monetary strength to survive a protracted legal fight.” “The video game industry is facing record layoffs and huge amounts of uncertainty,” he added. “I need a union contract to feel safe.”
Diskin concluded by reflecting on his time voicing the protagonist in Mega Man 11. “It’s been an honor voicing Mega Man in Mega Man 11, the best-selling game in the series’ history and watching Mega Man reclaim his rightful place as a gaming icon.” Mega Man: Dual Override will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam.
The official statement from SAG-AFTRA regarding the order against the game reads:
“Please be advised that the producer of the video game production entitled Mega Man: Dual Override has failed to initiate the signatory process. As such, SAG-AFTRA members are hereby instructed to withhold any acting services or performance of any covered work for this production until further notice from the union. Please note, accepting employment or rendering services on Mega Man: Dual Override may be considered a violation of Global Rule One. Violating this order may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the SAG-AFTRA Constitution.”
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