Voice Actors Replaced: Discovered via Patch Notes

Two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered they had been replaced when the game's patch notes went live, they have claimed, in the latest casualty of the battle for generative AI protections.

The ongoing 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. While Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), developed by HoYoverse—the company behind Genshin Impact—is not subject to the strike as it was in development before the strike's commencement on July 25, 2024, voice actors may choose to abstain from signing new contracts in solidarity with striking union members or without a SAG Interim Agreement.

Emeri Chase, who portrayed Soldier 11, stated they were "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 played Lycaon, has been replaced, despite not being a union member.

In a Bluesky thread, Chase clarified the difference between projects that are "struck" and those not 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," Chase explained. They added that many actors are voluntarily withholding work on these projects to support the union's fight for critical protections that ensure their ability to continue creating art they love.

Chase acknowledged the risk of being replaced by withholding work, expressing hope that HoYoVerse would keep Soldier 11 silent until their return. However, Chase learned of the recasting simultaneously with the public. Thurkettle shared his shock and noted that neither HoYoverse nor Sound Cadence had communicated with him since October, despite his availability and continued voice work.

Thurkettle, though not a SAG member, emphasized the existential threat posed by AI in the gaming industry. "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," he stated.

IGN has reached out to HoYoVerse for comment on the matter.

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 new voices for 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. Zombies characters William Peck (Zeke Alton) and Samantha Maxis (Julie Nathanson) are now voiced by new, uncredited actors. Alton, while accepting Activision's decision regarding Peck, expressed concern for his brand as a performer due to the lack of proper crediting for the replacement actor.

For more insights on how the strike impacts the games you play, check out our feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.