Voice Actors Learn of Replacement Via Patch Notes Release

Two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors have claimed they were replaced after discovering the change through the game's patch notes, marking the latest incident in the ongoing struggle for generative AI protections.

The dispute between the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the video game industry centers on the use of generative AI to replicate voice actor performances.

ZZZ, developed by the company behind Genshin Impact, HoYoverse, is not subject to the strike as it was in development before the strike's commencement on July 25, 2024. However, voice actors might opt out of new contracts in solidarity with striking union members or due to the absence of a SAG Interim Agreement.

Emeri Chase, the voice of Soldier 11, stated, "I was replaced as Soldier 11 because I am unwilling to perform work not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during a strike for AI protection, the outcome of which will determine the future of our industry." Similarly, Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Lycaon, was replaced, despite not being a union member.

Chase clarified on Bluesky, "There's a difference between being 'struck' and not being on an Interim Agreement. Union projects that began work prior to the strike and non-union projects are not 'struck.' But they also do not offer the Union-enforced AI rights we are fighting for."

"Many actors are choosing to voluntarily withhold work on these categories of projects because we feel it is the best way to support the union's fight for the protections that are critical to our continued ability to create the art we love," Chase added. They acknowledged the risk of being replaced but had hoped HoYoVerse would keep Soldier 11 silent until their return.

"I found out the role was recast today alongside all of you," Chase said. Thurkettle expressed similar sentiments, stating, "I'm learning about this as you are, and I share your shock. Neither HoYoverse nor Sound Cadence has communicated with me since October. I've been fully available and recorded multiple voice jobs in that time."

"I'm not SAG but what game companies want to do with AI is an existential threat. I took a personal stand to ask for protection, and had to be willing to give up the best thing that's ever happened in my professional life. I stand by my choice," Thurkettle said.

IGN has reached out to HoYoVerse for comment.

In a related incident from December, Activision confirmed the recasting of some members of the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 cast after fans noticed changes in the voices of beloved Zombies characters in-game. The company admitted to Game Developer that characters in Black Ops 6’s Zombies mode were recast amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.

Characters William Peck (Zeke Alton) and Samantha Maxis (Julie Nathanson) are now voiced by new, unknown actors. Alton expressed no issue with Activision's actions regarding Peck but was concerned "for my brand as a performer."

"Fans of the game have reached out to me because the lack of crediting [of the replacement actor] implies that it may still be me which unfairly represents my abilities as a performer," Alton stated at the time.

For a deeper understanding of how the strike impacts the gaming industry, check out our feature from last year, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.