SAG-AFTRA Issues 'Do Not Work Order' Against Mega Man: Dual Override

SAG-AFTRA has decided to issue a “Do Not Work Order” against Capcom’s upcoming game Mega Man: Dual Override. Revealed at The Game Awards 2025, Mega Man: Dual Override is the twelfth game in the classic Mega Man series. The game will feature new gameplay features while still retaining the franchise’s classic 2D platforming, with players taking control of Mega Man as he tries to battle Dr. Wily. It is all set to launch on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027.

There’s a lot of hype surrounding Mega Man: Dual Override among fans of the franchise. Although Capcom has remained silent about the game since its initial reveal, Capcom’s COO, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, has stated that the franchise is one of the many on the company’s roster that are considered to be “core IPs,” and the developer wants to expand the series to new heights. Considering Capcom’s success with Resident Evil Requiem, fans over on Reddit and Twitter are waiting to see what the developer has planned for the upcoming Mega Man: Dual Override. However, it seems like the game might have hit a roadblock before its release, as the Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has spoken out against the project.

Mega Man: Dual Override Hit by SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA has placed a “Do Not Work Order” against Mega Man: Dual Override. The union has stated that the producer of the game, Capcom, has failed to initiate the signatory process. Due to this, all members of the union have been prohibited from providing their acting services or performances for the game until further notice. SAG-AFTRA has also warned members that accepting employment or rendering services on Capcom’s upcoming Mega Man: Dual Override will be breaking its rules, which could lead to disciplinary action. This development follows from 2024, when SAG-AFTRA launched a strike against video game developers over AI use for voice actors and motion capture performers, alongside other concerns.

After SAG-AFTRA’s announcement, Benjamin Diskin, who voiced Mega Man in Mega Man 11, announced on Blue Sky through a series of posts that he won’t be returning for the sequel. He explained that he had been invited to reprise the role, but only if he agreed to work without the protection of a union contract. Diskin said he was assured that the full AI protections would be in place, so his voice would not be used in development, yet Capcom reportedly stated the project would not become unionized under any circumstances.

Image via Capcom

He went on to highlight the growing concerns surrounding AI in the video game industry, explaining that he needs union protection to feel secure, as the technology is increasingly being used to replace human talent. He also added that he wished Capcom had at least been open to discussing unionization with SAG-AFTRA, noting that he would have even accepted a lower-budget project if a contract had been signed.

The use of AI in video game development has drawn a lot of criticism from players. Titles like ARC Raiders have faced backlash over their use of AI-generated voices. Studios often rely on this technology to speed up production and reduce the overall development costs of a game. However, many players believe that AI cannot recreate the same emotional connection that comes from human-created performances in video games, which remains a crucial part of design. SAG-AFTRA continues to push for stronger protection for its members against AI usage in the gaming industry, but the technology seems to be gaining even more traction with each new release in the market. As of now, Capcom has yet to comment on the situation.