Two voice actors from Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) have claimed they were replaced after discovering the game's patch notes had gone live, marking another incident in the ongoing battle for protections against generative AI 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 industry over the use of AI to replicate voice 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 commencement on July 25, 2024. However, voice actors have the option to refuse new contracts in solidarity with striking union members or without a SAG Interim Agreement.
Emeri Chase, who voiced Soldier 11, stated they were replaced due to their unwillingness to work on projects not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike, which focuses on AI protections crucial to the future of the industry. Similarly, Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Lycaon and is not a union member, was also replaced.
Chase clarified on Bluesky that projects started before the strike or non-union projects are not struck but also do not provide the union-enforced AI rights that are being fought for. Many actors are choosing to withhold work on these projects to support the union's efforts.
Chase acknowledged the risk of being replaced but had hoped HoYoVerse would keep Soldier 11 silent until their return. Both Chase and Thurkettle learned about their replacements simultaneously with the public. Thurkettle, despite not being a union member, took a personal stand against AI use, willing to sacrifice his role in ZZZ.
IGN has reached out to HoYoVerse for a statement on the matter.
In a related incident in December, Activision confirmed recasting some characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Characters in the Zombies mode, William Peck and Samantha Maxis, now have new voices. Zeke Alton, the original voice of Peck, expressed concern over the lack of crediting for the new actor, which he felt misrepresented his performance abilities.
For more insights on how the SAG-AFTRA strike impacts video games, check out our feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.
