Voice Actors Replaced: Discovered via Patch Notes

In a recent development concerning the video game industry, two voice actors from the game Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) have discovered their replacement following the release of the game's patch notes. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions 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.

Developed by HoYoverse, the creators of Genshin Impact, ZZZ is not directly affected by the SAG-AFTRA strike as it was in development before the strike's commencement on July 25, 2024. However, voice actors may opt out of 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, expressed their replacement stemmed from their refusal to work on projects not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike, which focuses on securing protections against AI use. Similarly, Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Lycaon, found himself recast despite not being a union member. Both actors learned of their replacement simultaneously with the public upon the patch notes' release.

Chase elaborated on the nuances between projects 'struck' and those not covered by Interim Agreements on Bluesky, stating, "Union projects that began work prior to the strike and non-union projects are not 'struck.' But they also do not offer the Union-enforced AI rights we are fighting for." They further emphasized the voluntary withholding of work by many actors to support the union's efforts for AI protections crucial to their artistic future.

Thurkettle, despite not being a SAG member, shared his solidarity with the cause, highlighting the existential threat posed by AI to the industry. He noted his lack of communication from HoYoverse and Sound Cadence since October, despite his availability and continued work on other projects.

In a related case, Activision confirmed recasting certain characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 amid the SAG-AFTRA strike, affecting beloved Zombies characters like William Peck and Samantha Maxis. Zeke Alton, the original voice of Peck, expressed concerns about the lack of crediting for the new actor, which could misrepresent 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.