Zenless Zone Zero
Voice Actor Replacements Ignite Debate Over AI Protections
Published: March 15, 2025
The gaming community is buzzing after the latest 1.6 patch for Zenless Zone Zero
introduced a important change: the replacement of the English voice actors for two key characters, Soldier 11 adn Von Lycaon. Emeri Chase, who previously voiced Soldier 11, and Nicholas Thurkettle, the voice behind Von Lycaon, have both confirmed that they were recast after declining to record new lines during the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. This strike,which began in july 2024,is focused on securing protections for performers against the unregulated use of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry,a battle that is reshaping the landscape of creative work.
The Zenless Zone Zero
1.6 patch notes officially acknowledge the change, stating that the update “changes the English voice actors for agents Lycaon and Soldier 11, and replaces the corresponding voice lines.” The absence of Von Lycaon’s voice had been especially noticeable in recent story arcs, with his lines remaining unvoiced since December. Both Chase and Thurkettle revealed that they learned about their replacement at the same time as the wider Zenless Zone Zero
community, adding a layer of surprise and disappointment to the situation.
The SAG-AFTRA strike underscores the growing concerns within the entertainment industry regarding the potential misuse of AI. Actors are seeking safeguards against the unauthorized replication of their voices and the creation of digital replicas without proper consent or fair compensation. This issue has become a focal point in negotiations between the union and various game companies, highlighting the urgent need for industry-wide standards and protections.
Emeri Chase addressed the situation in a social media post, explaining her decision to stand in solidarity with the strike. Hey proxies,
Chase wrote, I was replaced as Soldier 11 as I am unwilling to perform work not covered by a SAG Interim Agreement during a strike for AI protections, the outcome of which will determine the future of our industry. Any other theories that pop up are incorrect.
She further clarified that the project does not offer the union-enforced AI rights we are fighting for.
Chase emphasized the collective action being taken by many actors to support the union’s cause. 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,
Chase stated. acknowledging the potential consequences of her decision, she added, I knew that by withholding work it was possible I’d be replaced, though of course I hoped they woudl choose to leave her silent until I was able to return. I found out the role was recast today alongside all of you.
Despite the circumstances,Chase expressed her fondness for the project and extended her best wishes to the team. I loved working on ZZZ and would have been thrilled to return to the project post-strike or with an Interim Agreement,
Chase concluded. But I stand by my choices nonetheless of the outcome. All my best wishes to the cast and the production team. Thank you for a great ride, proxies.
Nicholas Thurkettle echoed Chase’s surprise and disappointment. Proxies, I’m learning about this as you are and I share your shock,
he wrote. Neither HoYoverse nor Sound Cadence [the studio used to record English-language voices for ZZZ] has communicated with me as october.I’ve been fully available and recorded multiple voice jobs in that time. I am trying to learn more and absorb this news.
Thurkettle had previously refrained from commenting on the absence of Von Lycaon’s voice, citing contractual obligations. However, in response to Chase’s statement, he elaborated on his stance regarding AI in the industry. I’m not SAG but what game companies want to do with AI is an existential threat,
Thurkettle explained. 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 personal life. I stand by my choice.
The decision by HoYoverse to replace the voice actors underscores the complex challenges facing the gaming industry as it grapples with the implications of AI technology and the demands for greater protections for performers. The SAG-AFTRA strike continues to be a pivotal moment, potentially reshaping the future of voice acting and performance capture in video games.
AI in Entertainment: The Future of Voice Acting After the Zenless Zone Zero Controversy
Is the recent Zenless Zone Zero voice actor replacement a canary in the coal mine, signaling a looming crisis in the entertainment industry’s relationship with voice talent?
Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma,a leading expert in media ethics and labour relations,welcome too World today News. The recent controversy surrounding the replacement of voice actors in Zenless Zone Zero has sparked heated debate. Can you shed light on the core issues at play?
Dr. Sharma: Absolutely. The Zenless Zone Zero situation perfectly illustrates the growing tension between the entertainment industry’s increasing reliance on technology and the fundamental rights of performers. The core issue is the lack of robust legal frameworks and industry standards to protect voice actors from the potential misuse of their likeness and performance data through AI. This isn’t merely about compensation; it’s about ownership, control, and the very definition of creative work in the digital age.
Interviewer: The actors involved cited the ongoing labor dispute and concerns about AI protections as reasons for their refusal to record new lines. How important is this strike in the broader context of the industry?
Dr. Sharma: The strike is incredibly significant. It’s not just about wages; it’s about establishing precedents for the use of AI in performance capture and voice acting. This is a crucial moment for labor rights across the creative sector. We’re seeing a battle over intellectual property rights—who owns the digital performance, the actor or the company using the technology? The outcome will shape collective bargaining agreements for years to come, impacting not just voice actors but potentially actors across film, television, and gaming. This is a turning point defining how AI and human creativity will coexist.
Interviewer: Many are concerned about the ethical implications of using AI to replicate actors’ voices without their consent. Could you elaborate on these concerns?
Dr. Sharma: The ethical concerns are multifaceted. The unauthorized use of an actor’s voice raises questions about informed consent, privacy invasion, and potential reputational damage. Imagine your voice being used for a product you wouldn’t endorse, or in a manner that contradicts your values. Worse still, replicated performances could be disseminated indefinitely without the actor’s ongoing input or compensation, undermining their very livelihood. Ethical AI implementation in entertainment requires openness, consent, and fair compensation at every stage.
Interviewer: What practical steps can game developers and entertainment companies take to address these ethical concerns?
Dr. Sharma: Several practical steps can instantly mitigate these issues. First, implement robust contracts that clearly define the scope of AI usage in relation to the actor’s performance. Second, ensure fair compensation for any use of AI-generated content based on an actor’s performance. This compensation should extend beyond initial recording,potentially encompassing ongoing revenue streams generated by the digital replication. Third, collaborate with performer unions to create industry-wide standards and best practices for the ethical integration of AI in entertainment. The goal is collaborative and consensual innovation.
Interviewer: Beyond the immediate concerns for voice actors, what long-term effects could this have on the creative landscape?
Dr. Sharma: The long-term implications are transformative. We are at a crossroads. We could see the devaluation of human creativity if AI-generated content rapidly replaces human actors—displacing talent and diminishing artistic integrity.Though, a positive outcome is entirely possible. The industry can embrace AI as a collaborative tool that augments human talent and creates exciting new possibilities, provided that fair compensation and ethical standards are enshrined in every stage of the creative process. This requires a shift in mindset, from viewing AI as a cost-cutting measure to viewing it as a technologically advanced creative tool.
Interviewer: What can audiences do to support fair practices in the entertainment industry?
Dr. Sharma: Consumers can support ethical practices by being informed consumers. Support studios and game developers that commit to fair labor practices and transparent AI usage.Engage in conversations about the importance of supporting artists’ rights and advocate for policies that support ethical AI development in entertainment. By demanding transparency and fairness, audiences can actively shape the future of the entertainment industry.
Interviewer: Dr. Sharma,thank you for your insightful commentary. This discussion highlights the critical need for responsible AI integration in the entertainment sector. How do you think this will evolve in the years to come?
Dr. Sharma: The future of voice acting and performance capture will be shaped by a complex interplay of technological advancement and the ongoing fight for fair labor practices. It’s crucial that the industry moves toward collaborative innovation, ensuring both artistic expression and the rights of those who bring the creative visions to life. Let’s continue the conversation in the comments! Share your thoughts on this critical issue and let’s work together to shape a fair and ethical future for the entertainment industry.