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Voice Actors Learn of Replacement Via Patch Notes in Zenless Zone Zero

Author : Gabriella
May 29,2025

In a recent turn of events, two voice actors from Zenless Zone Zero, a game developed by HoYoverse, realized they had been replaced when the game's patch notes were published. This incident highlights the growing tension within the gaming industry over the use of generative AI to recreate voice actor performances.

The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is embroiled in a dispute with several video game companies over generative AI. While Zenless Zone Zero falls outside the scope of the strike due to its pre-strike development timeline, voice actors involved in the project may opt not to sign new contracts in solidarity with their striking peers or in the absence of a SAG Interim Agreement.

Emeri Chase, who voices Soldier 11, mentioned that they were replaced due to their refusal to contribute to work not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike—a move aimed at protecting artists' rights in the era of AI. Despite knowing they might lose their roles, Chase hoped HoYoverse would retain their character until they could resume work under favorable conditions. Similarly, Nicholas Thurkettle, who plays Lycaon, has also been replaced. Although not a SAG member, Thurkettle expressed concerns over the industry's stance on AI usage, emphasizing the existential threat it poses to his career.

HoYoverse has yet to comment on the matter, but the situation mirrors another instance in December where Activision recast several actors in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 following fan backlash over uncredited voice replacements in the Zombies mode.

For further insights into how this labor dispute impacts gamers and the broader industry, readers can explore IGN's feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.

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