Voice Actors Discover Replacement via Patch Notes for Zenless Zone Zero

In a recent development surrounding the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, two voice actors from the game Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) have discovered they were replaced following the release of the game's patch notes. This incident underscores the tensions between the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the video game industry, particularly concerning the use of generative AI to replicate voice performances.

ZZZ, developed by HoYoverse—the creators of Genshin Impact—is not directly affected by the strike as it was already in development before the strike's commencement on July 25, 2024. However, some voice actors, in solidarity with the striking union members, have chosen not to sign new contracts unless they are covered by a SAG Interim Agreement.

Emeri Chase, the voice behind Soldier 11 in ZZZ, expressed their dismay at being replaced due to their refusal to perform work not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike. Chase's stance is driven by the broader fight for AI protections, which they believe will shape the future of the industry. Similarly, Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Lycaon, has also been replaced, despite not being a union member.

In a Bluesky thread, Chase clarified the nuances between projects that are "struck" and those not covered by an Interim Agreement. They emphasized that while union projects started before the strike and non-union projects are not officially struck, they also do not guarantee the AI rights that the union is advocating for. Many actors, according to Chase, are voluntarily withholding their work from these projects to bolster the union's efforts for critical protections.

Chase acknowledged the risk of being replaced but had hoped that HoYoverse would keep Soldier 11 silent until they could return. Both Chase and Thurkettle were blindsided by the recasting news, which they learned about simultaneously with the public. Thurkettle, despite not being a SAG member, stood firm on his personal stance against AI misuse, willing to sacrifice significant professional opportunities to advocate for better protections.

IGN has reached out to HoYoverse for a statement on the matter.

In a related incident from December, Activision confirmed the recasting of some characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, particularly in the Zombies mode. Characters like William Peck (previously voiced by Zeke Alton) and Samantha Maxis (previously voiced by Julie Nathanson) were recast amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Alton expressed no personal grievances with Activision's decision but raised concerns about the lack of crediting for the new voice actor, which he felt misrepresented his own performance capabilities.

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