Two voice actors from Zenless Zone Zero claim they were replaced after discovering the news through the game’s publicly released patch notes, highlighting a growing concern over the use of generative AI in the gaming industry and its impact on performer rights.

The ongoing labor dispute between SAG-AFTRA (the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and the video game sector centers around the use of generative AI to simulate or replicate voice actor performances. While Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), developed by HoYoverse, is not directly affected by the strike due to being in development before July 25, 2024—the official strike start date—actors may still choose not to participate in non-covered projects in solidarity with striking members or due to the absence of a SAG Interim Agreement.

Emeri Chase, who voiced Soldier 11, stated that they were replaced “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.” Similarly, Nicholas Thurkettle, who portrayed Lycaon, was also replaced, though he is not a union member.

In a detailed post on Bluesky (as reported by Eurogamer), Chase clarified an important distinction: “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.”

Chase further explained that many performers are choosing to withhold their services voluntarily on such projects to support the broader union effort. “I knew by withholding work it was possible I'd be replaced, but I hoped HoYoVerse would choose to leave her silent until I was able to return.”

However, Chase found out the role had been recast at the same time as the public release: “I found out the role was recast today alongside all of you.” Thurkettle echoed similar sentiments, stating, “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.”

Though not a SAG member, Thurkettle emphasized the seriousness of the issue: “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 reached out to HoYoVerse for comment.

This situation mirrors a previous incident involving Activision’s *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6*, where several Zombies characters were recast during the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. The company confirmed the change following fan observations of altered voice performances in-game.

In a statement to Game Developer, Activision acknowledged that key Zombies characters William Peck (formerly voiced by Zeke Alton) and Samantha Maxis (previously played by Julie Nathanson) were now performed by new, uncredited actors.

Alton expressed no direct conflict with Activision’s decision but raised concerns regarding his professional reputation: “Fans of the game have reached out to me because the lack of crediting implies that it may still be me, which unfairly represents my abilities as a performer.”

To learn more about how the SAG-AFTRA strike is shaping the future of gaming and entertainment, read our in-depth feature: What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.