Genshin Impact Update 5.1 Lacks English Voice-Over as Video Game Voice Acting Strike Continues

Genshin Impact's version 5.1 update lacks English voice acting in some areas due to "recording arrangements," developer HoYoverse has said. Though the patch notes detailing the missing content don't give a more explicit reason, the lack of English voice over is like due to the ongoing American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) video game voice actor strike. "Due to recording arrangements, some content in version 5.1 does not have English voice overs," HoYoverse said. "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused." The strike began on July 26, 2024 with aims to improve the working conditions of voice actors and highlight their concerns regarding AI. It sings a similar tune to the actor and writer strikes of 2023 which essentially brought Hollywood to a standstill, and the impact on video games is seemingly now being seen too. Myriad voice actors have commented on the threat of AI, including Metal Gear Solid and Mass Effect actress Jennifer Hale. "The truth is, AI is just a tool like a hammer," she said. "If I take my hammer, I could build you a house. I can also take that same hammer and I can smash your skin and destroy who you are.” Hale revealed in October 2023 she was paid just $1,200 for her role as Naomi Hunter in the original Metal Gear Solid, a game which eventually grossed $176 million for publisher Konami (and is still making the company money through myriad re-releases). The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt lead Doug Cockle similarly expressed caution and frustration at the growing presence of AI within the video game industry, calling it "inevitable" but "dangerous." Cissy Jones, a voice actor known for her roles in Disney's Owl House, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, Shin Megami Tensei 5, and more, has started a company called Morpheme.ai to let voice actors embrace AI and gain control of their own voices going forward.