Voice Actors Learn of Replacement Via Patch Notes in Zenless Zone Zero

In a recent development that underscores the ongoing tensions between voice actors and the video game industry over generative AI, two actors from Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) discovered they were replaced after the game's patch notes were released. This incident highlights the broader struggle led by the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) against the use of AI to replicate voice performances.

Zenless Zone Zero, developed by HoYoverse, the creators of Genshin Impact, is not directly affected by the SAG-AFTRA strike that began on July 25, 2024, as it was already in development. However, actors like Emeri Chase, who voiced Soldier 11, and Nicholas Thurkettle, who played Lycaon, have chosen not to work on projects without a SAG Interim Agreement in solidarity with the union's fight for AI protections.

Emeri Chase shared on Bluesky that they were replaced due to their refusal to work on projects not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike. "I found out the role was recast today alongside all of you," Chase stated, expressing their disappointment and hope that HoYoverse would have left the character silent until their return. Similarly, Thurkettle, who is not a union member, learned of his replacement simultaneously with the public and emphasized the existential threat posed by AI in the industry. He stood firm on his decision to demand protections, despite the personal and professional cost.

In a related case, Activision confirmed the recasting of some characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. The recasting of Zombies characters William Peck and Samantha Maxis led to concerns from actor Zeke Alton about the implications for his professional reputation due to the lack of proper crediting for the new voice actors.

These incidents reflect the broader impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike on the gaming industry, as voice actors fight for protections that could shape the future of their profession. For a deeper understanding of how these developments might affect gamers, refer to our feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.