There’s a mega battle underway about Mega Man: Dual Override before the game even hits the shelves. SAG-AFTRA–the Hollywood acting union that also covers video game voice performers–has issued a “Do Not Work” against the latest Mega Man game.
According to SAG-AFTRA, the order was placed because Capcom “failed to initiate the signatory process.” That means Capcom made no steps to go forward with Dual Override under SAG-AFTRA jurisdiction. Consequently, all members of the union have been told that they aren’t allowed to lend their voice to the game unless SAG-AFTRA decides to lift the ban. Performers who disregard the ban will face disciplinary action from the union.
This isn’t too surprising considering that Mega Man 11 voice actor Ben Diskin previously revealed that Capcom asked him to reprise his role, but only if he agreed to forego union protections. Diskin also indicated that his unwillingness to accept those terms included wariness about the AI protections that Capcom offered.
“I was asked to return for Mega Man: Dual Override, but only on the condition I work without the protections of a union contract,” said Diskin. “I was told there are ‘full AI protections in place that guarantee in writing that [my] voice will never be used for AI development,’ … But [I] was also told ‘with certainty, from [Capcom], that the project will not go union.'”
Diskin and other video game actors went on a protracted strike against video game publishers in 2024 that dragged on almost a year over the same issues. A new deal was struck last summer, however, Capcom isn’t bound by that pact if only hires non-union performers. Conversely, Capcom won’t be able to attract any A-list voice actors to the game unless they’re willing to risk reprisals from SAG-AFTRA.
Mega Man: Dual Override will debut in 2027 on Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5. and PC.