Voice Actors Learn of Replacement Via Patch Notes in Zenless Zone Zero

Two voice actors from Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) discovered they were replaced when the game's patch notes were released, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding generative AI protections in the video game industry. The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is currently in dispute with the industry over the use of AI to replicate performances.

ZZZ, developed by HoYoverse, the company behind Genshin Impact, is not affected by the strike as it was already in development before the strike's start date of July 25, 2024. However, voice actors may choose not to work on new contracts in solidarity with the union or without a SAG Interim Agreement.

Emeri Chase, who voiced Soldier 11, stated they were replaced due to their unwillingness to work without a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike. Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Lycaon and is not a union member, was also replaced.

Chase elaborated on the distinction between being "struck" and not having an Interim Agreement on Bluesky, noting that projects started before the strike or non-union projects are not affected by the strike but do not provide the AI protections the union is fighting for. Many actors are voluntarily withholding their work to support the union's efforts.

Chase had hoped HoYoverse would keep Soldier 11 silent until they could return but learned of their replacement simultaneously with the public. Thurkettle expressed shock at the recasting, noting a lack of communication from HoYoverse and Sound Cadence since October despite his availability.

In a related incident, Activision confirmed recasting some characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 during the SAG-AFTRA strike. Characters William Peck and Samantha Maxis in the Zombies mode were recast, with Zeke Alton and Julie Nathanson replaced by new, uncredited actors. Alton expressed concerns about the impact on his brand as a performer due to the lack of proper crediting.

For more information on how the SAG-AFTRA strike impacts gaming, refer to our feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.