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

Two voice actors from Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) discovered they had been replaced when the game's patch notes were released, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the video game industry over generative AI protections.

ZZZ, developed by HoYoverse—the company behind Genshin Impact—is not subject to the SAG-AFTRA strike because it was already in development before the strike's start date of July 25, 2024. However, voice actors may choose not to work on projects without a SAG Interim Agreement as a show of solidarity or to push for better AI protections.

Emeri Chase, the voice of Soldier 11, stated they were replaced due to their refusal to perform work not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike, which aims to secure AI protections crucial for the future of the industry. Similarly, Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Lycaon, was replaced, despite not being a union member.

Chase clarified on Bluesky the distinction between projects struck by the union and those not covered by Interim Agreements, emphasizing that many actors are voluntarily withholding work to support the union's fight for essential AI protections. They expressed hope that HoYoverse would keep Soldier 11 silent until their return but were surprised to learn of the recasting alongside the public.

Thurkettle echoed this sentiment, noting he learned of his replacement simultaneously with fans and had been available for work since October. He stressed the existential threat posed by AI to the industry and stood by his decision to demand protections, even if it meant losing his role.

In a related incident, Activision recast some characters in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 amid the SAG-AFTRA strike, with new voices for Zombies characters William Peck and Samantha Maxis. Zeke Alton, the original voice of Peck, expressed concern over the lack of crediting for the new actor, which he felt misrepresented his performance abilities.

For more insight into how the SAG-AFTRA strike impacts the gaming industry, read our feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.