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

In a recent development within the video game industry, two voice actors from Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) discovered their replacements through the game's patch notes. This incident underscores the ongoing tension between the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the video game sector, particularly regarding the use of generative AI in replicating voice performances.

ZZZ, crafted by HoYoverse—the creators of Genshin Impact—is not directly affected by the SAG-AFTRA strike, as its development predates the strike's commencement on July 25, 2024. However, voice actors have the option to abstain from new contracts in solidarity with the striking union members or if no SAG Interim Agreement is in place.

Emeri Chase, who voiced 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, the voice behind Lycaon, was replaced despite not being a union member.

Chase elucidated the situation on Bluesky, as reported by Eurogamer, 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 admitted to knowing the risk of being replaced by withholding work, hoping that HoYoVerse would keep Soldier 11 silent until they could return. However, the recast was revealed to both actors and the public simultaneously through the patch notes. Thurkettle, expressing his shock, noted that he had not been in communication with HoYoverse or Sound Cadence since October, despite being available and actively recording other projects.

"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 stated.

IGN has reached out to HoYoVerse for a comment on this matter.

This situation mirrors an earlier case from December involving Activision and the recasting of voice actors for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The company admitted to recasting characters in the Zombies mode amidst the SAG-AFTRA strike. Voice actor Zeke Alton, previously the voice of William Peck, voiced no objections to Activision's decision but expressed concerns about his professional reputation due to the lack of crediting for the new actor.

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