Zenless Zone Zero Voice Actor Replacements Announced

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 situation highlights the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike and the industry's struggle with generative AI. While Zenless Zone Zero, developed by HoYoverse, predates the strike's July 25, 2024 start, the actors chose not to sign new contracts, prioritizing solidarity with striking union members and the fight for AI protections.

Chase, a SAG-AFTRA member, explained on Bluesky that while the project wasn't technically "struck," it lacked the union-enforced AI rights currently being negotiated. She and other actors are voluntarily withholding work on such projects to support the union's efforts. Chase knew replacement was a possibility but hoped HoYoVerse would wait. Thurkettle, not a union member, expressed similar sentiments, stating his decision was a personal stand against the potential misuse of AI in the industry, even at the cost of losing his role. HoYoVerse has yet to comment.

This isn't an isolated incident. Activision confirmed recasting voice actors for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies mode, replacing Zeke Alton (William Peck) and Julie Nathanson (Samantha Maxis). Alton expressed concern about the lack of credit for the replacement actors, impacting his professional image.

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.