Two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered they had been replaced when the game's patch notes were released, they have claimed, in the latest development in the ongoing battle for generative AI protections.
The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists' (SAG-AFTRA) ongoing dispute with the video game industry centers around the use of generative AI to replicate voice actor performances. This issue has led to significant tension and action from the union.
ZZZ, developed by the creators of Genshin Impact, HoYoverse, is not subject to the strike as it was in development before the strike's commencement on July 25, 2024. However, voice actors may choose not to sign new contracts in solidarity with striking union members, or in the absence of a SAG Interim Agreement.
Emeri Chase, who voices 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, has been replaced, despite not being a union member.
"I'd like to clarify that there's a difference between being 'struck' and not being on an Interim Agreement," Chase explained in a thread on Bluesky (thanks, Eurogamer). "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 added. They acknowledged the risk of being replaced by withholding work but had hoped that developer HoYoverse would choose to leave Soldier 11 silent until they could return.
"I found out the role was recast today alongside all of you," Chase said, while Thurkettle 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."
"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 added.
IGN has reached out to HoYoverse for comment.
In a similar case from December, Activision confirmed it had recast some members of the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 cast after fans noticed beloved Zombies characters with new voices in-game. The company admitted to Game Developer that characters in Black Ops 6’s Zombies mode were recast amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
Zombies characters William Peck (Zeke Alton) and Samantha Maxis (Julie Nathanson) are now voiced by new, unknown actors. Alton told Game Developer that he took no issue with Activision’s actions with Peck, but expressed concern "for my brand as a performer."
"Fans of the game have reached out to me because the lack of crediting [of the replacement actor] implies that it may still be me which unfairly represents my abilities as a performer," Alton said at the time.
For more on how the strike has, and will continue to, affect the games you play, check out our feature from last year, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.
