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

Two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors, Emeri Chase (Soldier 11) and Nicholas Thurkettle (Lycaon), claim they learned of their replacement via the game's patch notes. This incident highlights the ongoing conflict between SAG-AFTRA and the video game industry over generative AI's use in replicating voice actor performances.

While Zenless Zone Zero, developed by HoYoverse, isn't directly subject to the strike (pre-dating its July 25, 2024 commencement), the actors chose not to sign new contracts, citing solidarity with striking union members and the lack of SAG Interim Agreements offering AI protections.

Chase stated their replacement stemmed from refusing work lacking SAG Interim Agreement coverage during the strike, a decision driven by concerns about the industry's future. Thurkettle, a non-union member, echoed similar sentiments, viewing the potential misuse of AI as an existential threat, willingly sacrificing his role to advocate for performer protections. Both actors expressed surprise at their replacement, noting a lack of communication from HoYoverse and Sound Cadence.

HoYoVerse has been contacted for comment. This situation mirrors a December incident where Activision recast voice actors for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies mode, replacing Zeke Alton (William Peck) and Julie Nathanson (Samantha Maxis) without informing them. Alton expressed concern about the lack of credit given to the replacement actors, potentially misrepresenting his own abilities.

For a deeper understanding of the SAG-AFTRA strike's impact on gaming, see our previous feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.