Two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors, Emeri Chase (Soldier 11) and Nicholas Thurkettle (Lycaon), claim they learned of their replacements through the game's patch notes, highlighting the ongoing impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike on the video game industry. While Zenless Zone Zero, developed by HoYoverse, isn't directly subject to the strike due to its pre-July 25th, 2024 development start date, the actors' decisions stem from a desire for AI protection and solidarity with striking union members.
Chase, unwilling to work without a SAG Interim Agreement guaranteeing AI protections, stated their replacement was a consequence of this choice. Thurkettle, though not a union member, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the existential threat AI poses to voice actors and his willingness to forgo the role to advocate for better protections. Both actors expressed surprise at the 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). While Alton didn't directly object to the recasting, he voiced concern over the lack of credit given to the replacement, potentially misrepresenting his abilities.
For further insight into the SAG-AFTRA strike's impact on gaming, see our previous feature, What the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Means for Gamers.
