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 around generative AI protections in the video game industry. The actors, Emeri Chase and Nicholas Thurkettle, voiced characters Soldier 11 and Lycaon, respectively, in the game developed by HoYoverse, the creators of Genshin Impact.
The dispute stems from the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)'s ongoing strike against the video game industry, which focuses on preventing the use of generative AI to replicate voice performances. Although ZZZ is not subject to the strike due to its development timeline predating the strike's start on July 25, 2024, actors may choose not to work on projects without SAG Interim Agreements in solidarity with the union.
Emeri Chase, who played Soldier 11, stated they were replaced because they refused to work on projects not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike. Chase explained the distinction between projects that are "struck" and those not covered by Interim Agreements, emphasizing that many actors are voluntarily withholding their work to support the union's fight for AI protections.
Similarly, Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Lycaon and is not a union member, also found himself replaced. He learned about the recasting alongside the public and expressed his shock and concern over the lack of communication from HoYoverse and Sound Cadence since October. Thurkettle highlighted his stance against the use of AI in the industry, which he sees as an existential threat, and stood by his decision to seek protections even at the cost of losing his role.
In a related incident, Activision confirmed recasting some characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 amid the SAG-AFTRA strike. Voice actors Zeke Alton and Julie Nathanson, who portrayed William Peck and Samantha Maxis in the Zombies mode, were replaced by new, uncredited actors. Alton expressed concerns about the impact on his professional reputation due to the lack of proper crediting for the replacement actors.
These cases underscore the broader impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike on the gaming industry, affecting both union and non-union actors. For a deeper understanding of how the strike influences gamers, readers can refer to the feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.
