Voice Actors Learn of Replacement via Patch Notes for Zenless Zone Zero

If you're a fan of Zenless Zone Zero, two of its voice actors recently found themselves in the spotlight—not for their performances, but because they learned they had been replaced through the game's patch notes. This development highlights the growing tension in the gaming industry surrounding generative AI and its impact on creative roles.

Developed by HoYoverse, Zenless Zone Zero isn’t directly affected by the SAG-AFTRA strike since it entered development before the strike commenced on July 25, 2024. However, voice actors involved with the game may opt not to sign new contracts in solidarity with their unionized colleagues.

Emeri Chase, who voiced Soldier 11, explained that they were replaced due to their stance against performing work outside a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike—a move aimed at securing protections against generative AI misuse. Although not a union member, Nicholas Thurkettle, who portrayed Lycaon, faced a similar fate.

Chase noted the distinction between being "struck" and lacking an Interim Agreement, emphasizing that non-union projects don’t offer the same protections as union-backed ones. Many actors, like Chase, are withholding work voluntarily to support the union’s fight for crucial rights. While Chase acknowledged the possibility of replacement, they hoped HoYoverse would retain their character until they could return.

Thurkettle, though not part of SAG-AFTRA, expressed his concerns over generative AI’s implications for his career. He stood by his decision despite losing significant opportunities in the process. IGN reached out to HoYoverse for further comment.

This isn’t the first instance of such disputes; in December, Activision confirmed recasting some Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 characters following fan backlash over altered voices in Zombies mode. Known actors like William Peck (Zeke Alton) and Samantha Maxis (Julie Nathanson) were replaced, raising concerns among performers about misrepresentation and career impacts.

For deeper insights into how this strike influences gamers and creators alike, revisit our previous feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.