Two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors, Emeri Chase and Nicholas Thurkettle, have claimed they were replaced after discovering their roles had been recast when the game's patch notes were released. This development is part of the broader struggle over generative AI protections in the video game industry, as highlighted by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.

The conflict centers on the use of generative AI to replicate voice actor performances, a significant concern for the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). ZZZ, developed by HoYoverse, the company behind Genshin Impact, is not directly affected by the strike since it was 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 in solidarity with the union's efforts.

Emeri Chase, the voice of Soldier 11, stated they were replaced due to their refusal to work on projects not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during the strike. Chase explained on Bluesky that while projects started before the strike or non-union projects are not "struck," they also do not provide the AI protections that the union is advocating for. Many actors are voluntarily withholding work to support the union's fight for these critical protections.

Chase had hoped that HoYoverse would keep Soldier 11 silent until they could return, but discovered their replacement alongside the public. Similarly, Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced Lycaon and is not a union member, was also replaced without prior communication from HoYoverse or Sound Cadence since October. Thurkettle expressed solidarity with the union's stance on AI, despite the personal cost to his career.

In a related incident, Activision confirmed the recasting of some voice actors in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Characters like William Peck and Samantha Maxis in the Zombies mode were recast, leading to concerns from former voice actor Zeke Alton about the impact on his professional reputation due to the lack of proper crediting for the new actors.

For a deeper understanding of how the SAG-AFTRA strike affects the gaming industry, you can read our feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.