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

In a recent development affecting the video game industry, two voice actors from the game Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) have discovered their replacement through the game's patch notes. This incident is tied to the ongoing conflict between the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the video game industry over the use of generative AI to replicate voice performances.

ZZZ, developed by HoYoverse, the creators of Genshin Impact, is not directly impacted by the SAG-AFTRA strike as it was in development before the strike's commencement on July 25, 2024. However, voice actors have the option to refrain from signing new contracts in solidarity with the striking union members or due to the absence of a SAG Interim Agreement.

Emeri Chase, the voice behind Soldier 11, stated that they were replaced because of their unwillingness to perform work not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike, which focuses on securing AI protections. Similarly, Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Lycaon, was also replaced, despite not being a union member.

In a Bluesky thread, Chase clarified the distinction between projects that are 'struck' and those not covered by an Interim Agreement. They emphasized that many actors are voluntarily withholding work from projects that do not offer the union-enforced AI rights they are fighting for, as a means to support the union's efforts. Chase had hoped that HoYoverse would keep Soldier 11 silent until they could return, but learned of their replacement simultaneously with the public.

Thurkettle, also learning of his replacement at the same time as fans, expressed his shock and disappointment. He had not been in communication with HoYoverse or Sound Cadence since October, despite being available and actively working on other projects. Thurkettle, though not a SAG member, stood firm on his personal stance against the use of AI in the industry, acknowledging the potential cost to his career.

IGN has reached out to HoYoverse for a statement on this matter.

In a related incident from December, Activision confirmed the recasting of some characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, particularly in the Zombies mode. Voice actors Zeke Alton and Julie Nathanson, who previously voiced William Peck and Samantha Maxis respectively, were replaced. Alton expressed concerns about the lack of crediting for the new actors, which he felt misrepresented his performance abilities.

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