Zenless Zone Zero Recasts Voice Actors Over AI Strike Stance

Emeri Chase and Nicholas Thurkettle were replaced after withholding work to support SAG-AFTRA's fight for AI protections in the gaming industry.

Voice actors Emeri Chase and Nicholas Thurkettle were recast in Zenless Zone Zero's latest update after refusing to work on projects without AI protections.
Chase, a union member, and Thurkettle, a non-union actor, cited concerns about the lack of safeguards against AI misuse in their decision to withhold participation.
The actors discovered their roles had been recast through the game's patch notes, with no prior communication from the studio or recording company.
SAG-AFTRA has been striking since July 2024, advocating for AI-related protections, including consent and compensation for AI-generated replicas of performances.
HoYoverse, the game's developer, has not commented on the recasting, which reflects broader tensions in the gaming industry over AI and labor rights.