Voice actors for Zenless Zone Zero have been discreetly recast in response to the actions of SAG-AFTRA

Two actors from the game Zenless Zone Zero allege they lost their roles due to their involvement in the SAG-AFTRA strikes.

According to a report by Eurogamer, voice talents Emeri Chase and Nicholas Thurkettle, who voiced characters Soldier 11 and Lycaon, respectively, discovered they were replaced when they read the game's patch notes simultaneous to the player base.

Though Zenless Zone Zero was under development before the strike's commencement on July 25, 2024, making it exempt, voice actors from both within and outside the union can opt to support the strike.

Chase conveyed on a Bluesky discussion that their role as Soldier 11 was recast due to their refusal to engage in work outside a SAG Interim Agreement during the AI protection strike, emphasizing its critical nature for the industry's future. They clarified the distinction between being 'struck' and lacking an Interim Agreement, noting that union projects started before the strike, and non-union projects, are not affected but also lack union-mandated AI rights.

Chase expressed that many actors are voluntarily choosing to abstain from such projects to support the union's battle for essential protections. They acknowledged the risk of replacement when withholding work but hoped the character would remain silent until their return. Chase discovered the role's recasting alongside the audience.

Chase expressed pride in their past work on the game, maintaining support for their decision despite the circumstances.

Thurkettle echoed similar sentiments on Bluesky, despite not being a SAG member, regarding AI's potential threat and their decision to advocate for protective measures. He expressed readiness to sacrifice this career highlight for his principles.

GamesIndustry.biz has requested a statement from YoHoVerse on the situation.

This scenario follows recent events in which the French voice cast of Apex Legends declined contract renewals involving AI clauses.

In late July, SAG-AFTRA voted to instigate a strike, failing to secure a deal with the group representing video game companies regarding AI and rights protections.

By September, agreements with developers of 80 forthcoming games were secured by SAG-AFTRA amid efforts to improve conditions for actors, including safeguarding against AI. In November, a new localization agreement was announced by SAG-AFTRA.