Two voice actors from Zenless Zone Zero have claimed they were unexpectedly replaced after the game's patch notes were released, marking another incident in the ongoing struggle for protections against generative AI in the video game industry. The dispute between the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and video game developers centers on the use of AI to replicate voice performances, raising significant concerns about the future of voice acting.
Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), developed by HoYoverse, the company behind Genshin Impact, was not impacted by the strike as it started development before July 25, 2024. However, some voice actors are choosing not to work on projects without SAG Interim Agreements in solidarity with the striking union members, which can result in their replacement.
Emeri Chase, the voice of Soldier 11, stated their replacement stemmed from their refusal to work on projects not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike, which is aimed at securing AI protections crucial to the industry's future. Similarly, Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Lycaon, was replaced despite not being a union member.
In a Bluesky thread, Chase clarified the difference between projects that are 'struck' and those not under Interim Agreements. They emphasized that many actors are voluntarily withholding their work to support the union's fight for necessary protections. Chase admitted knowing the risk of being replaced but hoped HoYoverse would keep Soldier 11 silent until they could return. Both Chase and Thurkettle discovered their replacements simultaneously with the public.
Thurkettle, despite not being part of SAG, expressed his solidarity with the cause, highlighting AI as an existential threat to voice acting. He had been fully available and had recorded other voice work since October but had not been contacted by HoYoverse or Sound Cadence.
IGN has reached out to HoYoverse for a statement on the matter.
In a related case, Activision confirmed in December that they recast some voice actors for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 following fan observations of new voices for beloved Zombies characters. The recasting of William Peck (Zeke Alton) and Samantha Maxis (Julie Nathanson) occurred amidst the SAG-AFTRA strike. Alton, while understanding Activision's decision, expressed concern over the lack of crediting for the new actors, which he felt misrepresented his abilities.
For a deeper understanding of how the SAG-AFTRA strike impacts the gaming industry, readers can refer to our feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.
