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

Two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered they had been replaced when the game's patch notes were released, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the use of generative AI in the video game industry. The dispute, led by the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), centers on the use of 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 commencement on July 25, 2024. However, voice actors are choosing 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 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 voiced Lycaon, was replaced despite not being a union member.

In a Bluesky thread, Chase clarified the distinction between being "struck" and not being on an Interim Agreement, emphasizing that union projects started before the strike and non-union projects are not technically "struck." However, actors are voluntarily withholding work to support the union's fight for AI rights critical to their profession.

Chase acknowledged the risk of being replaced but hoped HoYoverse would keep Soldier 11 silent until they could return. Both Chase and Thurkettle learned about their replacements simultaneously with the public. Thurkettle, despite not being a SAG member, expressed his support for the cause, stating that AI poses an "existential threat" to the industry and he was willing to sacrifice his role in Zenless Zone Zero to stand against it.

IGN has reached out to HoYoverse for comment on the situation.

In a related incident last December, Activision confirmed recasting some characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Characters like William Peck and Samantha Maxis in the Zombies mode were voiced by new actors, with former voice actor Zeke Alton expressing concerns about the impact on his professional reputation due to unclear crediting.

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