Voice Actor trouble… Again

Yesterday was the release of the 1.6 update for Zenless Zone Zero as Silver Anby makes her debut. With the update came a variety of quality-of-life updates and new modes and items being added to the game. One big surprise was the mention of Lycaon and Soldier 11 voice actors being changed. While this has been done before with several characters since the first release of Zenless, it’s not surprising that it would happen again. The only thing shocking is Nicholas Thurkettle’s reaction to the change:

Proxies - I'm learning about this as you are and I share your shock. Neither HoYoverse nor Sound Cadence has communicated with me since October. I've been fully available and recorded multiple voice jobs in that time. I am trying to learn more and absorb this news.

— Nicholas Thurkettle likes a Blue Sky (@NThurkettle) March 12, 2025

It clear here that Nicholas had no idea of what is going on. This fits the news as SAG-AFTRA strike is no restricting, basically banning, union voice actors to partake in a non-union game. This is very serious and very concerning as it’s causing HoYoverse to lose actors. With HoYoverse outside of the union it basically ties their hands behind their back. If the rumors are correct (and I say rumors because it came from both Reddit and HoYo’s HoYolab forms) and joining the Union is expensive it can explain why HoYo is hesitant to joining.

The statement from Reddit and HoYolabs claims that Hoyo can only hire CN VAs and that the overseas VAs are contract only through Agencies and without more details, it would only paint the agencies as ones that can just cut and dry HoYo, whenever they want, which is completely unfair to both parties. I want to say HoYo should just consider joining the Union but with them replacing the VA’s asap, its safe to say they have no intention to join right away.

I am not a voice agency, I don’t work for HoYoverse or anyone but myself. I can say I am sad about seeing Nicholas being replaced as I enjoyed his take on Lycaon and help make gave the Thiren butler his personality and the aura, he radiates. Hearing the new actors, I agree with some posts saying Lycaon’s new actor needs some “refining” especially since we are used to Nicholas and for Soldier 11, she needs refining more although I barely touch her (but since I got her W-Engine recently that might change a bit.) I haven’t heard her voice often enough to notice a major difference at the moment.

Regardless, that’s my rant on this for the day with HoYo’s Voice Actors. Stay safe Proxies.