Zenless Zone Zero Voice Actors Say They Found Out They Were Replaced When the Patch Notes Went Live

Two voice actors from Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) have claimed they were unexpectedly replaced when the game's patch notes were released, highlighting ongoing tensions over the use of generative AI in the video game industry. The dispute between the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and video game companies centers around the replication of voice performances using AI.

ZZZ, created by HoYoverse, the developers behind Genshin Impact, is not directly affected by the strike since it was in development before the strike's start date of July 25, 2024. However, voice actors can opt out of new contracts in solidarity with the striking union members or due to the lack of a SAG Interim Agreement.

Emeri Chase, the voice of Soldier 11, stated they were replaced because they refused to work without the protection of a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike. This strike aims to secure protections against AI that could shape the future of the industry. Similarly, Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Lycaon, was also replaced, despite not being a union member.

Chase elaborated on the nuances between projects that are "struck" and those without an Interim Agreement in a thread on Bluesky, as reported by Eurogamer. They noted that while union and non-union projects started before the strike are not considered "struck," they do not offer the AI rights that the union is fighting for. Many actors, including Chase, have chosen to withhold their work to support the union's efforts for critical protections.

Chase expressed hope that HoYoverse would keep Soldier 11 silent until their return, but they discovered their replacement alongside the public. Thurkettle, learning of his replacement simultaneously, shared his shock and noted the lack of communication from HoYoverse and Sound Cadence since October, despite his availability and ongoing work in other projects. He emphasized his stance against AI in games as an existential threat, standing firm on his decision despite the professional cost.

IGN has reached out to HoYoverse for comment on this matter.

In a related incident, Activision recast some roles in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 amid the SAG-AFTRA strike. Characters like William Peck and Samantha Maxis in the Zombies mode were voiced by new actors. Zeke Alton, the original voice of Peck, acknowledged Activision's actions but expressed concern over the potential misrepresentation of his performance due to the lack of crediting for the new actor.

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