Two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors, Emeri Chase and Nicholas Thurkettle, discovered they had been replaced when the game's patch notes were released, amidst ongoing tensions over generative AI protections in the video game 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. Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), developed by HoYoverse, the company behind Genshin Impact, is not directly affected by the strike as it was in development before the strike's start date of July 25, 2024. However, voice actors can choose not to work on projects without a SAG Interim Agreement in solidarity with the striking union members.
Emeri Chase, the voice of Soldier 11, stated they were replaced due to their refusal to work on projects not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike. Chase emphasized their stance in a Bluesky thread, noting the importance of supporting the union's fight for AI protections crucial to the future of the industry. Despite knowing the risk of being replaced, Chase hoped HoYoverse would leave the character silent until they could return. However, Chase learned of the recasting alongside the public.
Similarly, Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Lycaon, was also replaced. Although not a union member, Thurkettle took a stand against AI usage, describing it as an existential threat to the profession. He expressed his shock at the recasting, noting a lack of communication from HoYoverse and Sound Cadence since October.
In a related incident, Activision confirmed recasting some characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 amid the SAG-AFTRA strike. Characters like William Peck and Samantha Maxis in the Zombies mode are now voiced by new actors. Zeke Alton, the original voice of William Peck, expressed concerns about the lack of crediting for the replacement actor, which he felt misrepresented his performance abilities.
For more insights on how the SAG-AFTRA strike impacts the gaming industry, you can read our feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.
