Zenless Zone Zero voice actors quietly recast following SAG-AFTRA action

Two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors claim they have been replaced for participating in the SAG-AFTRA strikes.

As spotted by Eurogamer, Emeri Chase and Nicholas Thurkettle – playing Soldier 11 and Lycaon, respectively – claim they found out their voices had been replaced by reading the patch notes at the same time players did.

As it began development before the strike was called on July 25, 2024, Zenless Zone Zero is not subject to the strike, however, voice actors both in and out of the union can choose to support the action.

In a Bluesky thread, Chase said: “I was replaced as Soldier 11 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.

“I’d like to clarify that there’s a difference between being ‘struck’ and not being on an Interim Agreement. 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.

“Many actors are choosing to voluntarily withhold work on these categories of projects because we feel it is the best way to support the Union’s fight for the protections that are critical to our continued ability to create the art we love. I knew that by withholding work it was possible I’d be replaced, though of course I hoped they would choose to leave her silent until I was able to return. I found out the role was recast today alongside all of you.”

Chase closed on saying they had loved working on the game but [stood] by [their] choices “regardless of the outcome.”

Thurkettle similarly discussed the issue on Bluesky, saying: “This is what I’ve been quiet about. I’m not SAG but 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.”

GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to YoHoVerse for comment.

It follows news earlier this month that the voice talent team that brings Apex Legends’ characters to life in French refused to sign contracts that would authorize their voices to be used to train AI.

SAG-AFTRA voted to strike at the end of July after it failed to reach an agreement with the convenience bargaining group over rights and protection concerns raised by the industry’s exploration of AI technologies.

SAG-AFTRA secured agreements with the developers behind 80 upcoming games in September as it staged strike action over better conditions for actors, including protection against the use of AI. In November, SAG-AFTRA announced a new agreement for video game localisation.