Voice Actors Learn of Replacement via Patch Notes for Zenless Zone Zero

Two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered they had been replaced when the game's patch notes were released, they have claimed, marking the latest development in the ongoing battle for generative AI protections in the video game industry.

The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is currently engaged in a dispute with the video game industry over the use of generative AI to replicate voice actor performances. Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), developed by the creators of 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 may choose not to sign new contracts in solidarity with striking union members or in the absence of a SAG Interim Agreement.

Emeri Chase, who voiced 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 thread on Bluesky, Chase clarified the distinction between being 'struck' and not being on an Interim Agreement, saying, "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 acknowledged the risk of being replaced by withholding work but had "hoped [developer HoYoVerse] would choose to leave her silent until I was able to return." They found out about the recasting at the same time as the public. Thurkettle expressed his shock, 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."

IGN has reached out to HoYoVerse for comment.

In a related incident from December, Activision confirmed it had recast 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, unknown actors. Alton expressed no issue with Activision’s actions regarding Peck but was concerned "for my brand as a performer," noting that fans reached out to him because the lack of crediting for the replacement actor implied it was still him, which misrepresented his abilities.

For more insights into how the strike impacts the gaming industry, check out our feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.