Zenless Zone Zero Voice Actors Discovered Their Replacement Through Live Patch Notes

Two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered they had been replaced when the game’s patch notes went live, they have claimed, in the latest casualty of the battle for generative AI protections.

The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists’ (SAG-AFTRA) ongoing dispute with the video game industry revolves around the use of generative AI to replicate voice actor performances.

ZZZ, developed by Genshin Impact company HoYoverse, is not subject to the strike because it was in development before July 25, 2024, when the strike began. However, voice actors may choose not to sign new contracts in solidarity with striking union members, or in the absence of a SAG Interim Agreement.

Emeri Chase — who portrays Soldier 11 — said 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.” Nicholas Thurkettle, who played Lycaon, has been similarly replaced, although Thurkettle is not a union member.

“I’d like to clarify that there’s a difference between being ‘struck’ and not being on an Interim Agreement,” Chase explained in a thread on Bluesky (thanks, Eurogamer). “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.

“Many actors are choosing to voluntarily withhold work on these categories of projects because we feel it is the best way to support the union’s fight for the protections that are critical to our continued ability to create the art we love.”

Chase added that they knew “that by withholding work it was possible” they’d be replaced, but had “hoped [developer HoYoVerse] would choose to leave her silent until I was able to return.”

“I found out the role was recast today alongside all of you,” Chase said, while Thurkettle stated: “I’m learning about this as you are, and I share your shock. Neither HoYoverse nor Sound Cadence has communicated with me since October. I’ve been fully available and recorded multiple voice jobs in that time.

“I’m not SAG but what game companies want to do with AI is an existential threat. I took a personal stand to ask for protection, and had to be willing to give up the best thing that’s ever happened in my professional life. I stand by my choice.”

IGN has asked HoYoVerse for comment.

In a similar case from December, Activision confirmed it had recast some members of the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 cast after fans noticed much-loved Zombies characters with new voices in-game.

The company issued a statement to Game Developer admitting characters in Black Ops 6’s Zombies mode were recast amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.

Zombies characters William Peck (Zeke Alton) and Samantha Maxis (Julie Nathanson) are currently voiced by new, unknown actors. Alton told Game Developer that he took no issue with Activision’s actions with Peck, but expressed concern “for my brand as a performer.”

“Fans of the game have reached out to me because the lack of crediting [of the replacement actor] implies that it may still be me which unfairly represents my abilities as a performer,” Alton said at the time.

For more on how the strike has, and will continue to, affect the games you play, check out our feature from last year, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.

Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.