"Voice Actors Learn of Replacement Via Patch Notes for Zenless Zone Zero"

Two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors, Emeri Chase and Nicholas Thurkettle, have discovered they were replaced following the release of the game's patch notes, amid ongoing concerns about generative AI protections in the gaming industry.

The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is currently in a dispute with the video game industry over the use of generative AI to replicate voice actor performances. ZZZ, developed by HoYoverse, the company behind Genshin Impact, is not subject to the strike as it was in development before the strike's start date of July 25, 2024. However, voice actors can choose to not sign new contracts in solidarity or without 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, was replaced despite not being a union member.

Chase clarified on Bluesky that while union projects started before the strike and non-union projects are not 'struck,' they do not offer the AI rights that the union is fighting for. Many actors are voluntarily withholding work on these projects to support the union's efforts for crucial protections.

Chase expressed hope that HoYoverse would have kept Soldier 11 silent until their return, but found out about the recasting simultaneously with the public. Thurkettle, who learned about his replacement at the same time, stated, "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."

Thurkettle, despite not being a SAG member, expressed concern about AI's potential impact, saying, "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 sought comment from HoYoverse on this matter.

In a related incident, Activision confirmed in December the recasting of some characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Characters like William Peck (Zeke Alton) and Samantha Maxis (Julie Nathanson) in the Zombies mode were recast. Zeke Alton expressed concern over the lack of crediting for the new voice actors, stating it could misrepresent his performance abilities.

For a deeper understanding of how the strike impacts gaming, read our feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.