Genshin Impact’s version 5.1 update lacks English voice acting in some areas due to “recording arrangements,” developer told HoYoverse.
While the patch notes detailing the missing content don’t provide a more explicit reason, the lack of English voice-over is reminiscent of the ongoing American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) video game voice actor strike.
“Due to recording arrangements, some content in 5.1 does not include English subtitles,” HoYoverse said. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused.”
The strike began on July 26, 2024, with the goal of improving the working conditions of voice actors and highlighting their concerns about artificial intelligence. It sings a similar tune to the 2023 actor-writer strikes that essentially brought Hollywood to a standstill, and are now apparently having an impact on video games as well.
Countless voice actors have commented on the threat of artificial intelligence, including Metal Gear Solid and Mass Effect actress Jennifer Hale. “The truth is that artificial intelligence is just a tool like a hammer,” she said. “If I took my hammer, I could build you a house. I can also take that same hammer and I can break your skin and destroy who you are.”
In October 2023, Hale revealed that she was paid just $1,200 for her role as Naomi Hunter in the original Metal Gear Solid, which ultimately grossed $176 million for publisher Konami (and continues to make money for the company thanks to countless re-releases).
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt lead Doug Cockle similarly expressed caution and frustration with the growing presence of artificial intelligence in the video game industry, calling it “inevitable” but “dangerous.”
Cissy Jones, a voice actress known for her roles in Disney’s Owl House, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, Shin Megami Tensei 5 and more, founded a company called Morpheme.ai to enable voice actors to harness artificial intelligence and take control of their own voices going forward.
Ryan Dinsdale is a freelance reporter for IGN. He will talk about The Witcher all day long.
