Activision Announces New Voice Actors for Call of Duty: Dark Ops 6 Amid SAG-AFTRA Strike
“We honor the individual decisions made by these actors,” Activision stated.
Activision has re-cast a handful of voice actors for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 amidst the SAG-AFTRA strike.
After players noted a slight variation in the voices of characters William Peck and Samantha Maxis, voice actor Zeke Alton remarked that his portrayal of Peck in the Zombies mode seems to have been substituted. He has also been omitted from the game’s credits.
Unlike film and television actors, who can strike even during active productions, a provision known as Side Letter Six permits work on interactive media to carry on. While individuals on daily contracts may choose to strike in solidarity, since Black Ops 6 was in development prior to July 2024, Activision is legally allowed to substitute striking actors.
“To the best of my knowledge, that performance is not [mine],” Alton told Game Developer. “It belongs to them, and they can do with it what they wish.”
“My only worry is for my reputation as a performer. Fans of the game have contacted me because the absence of credit for [the replacement actor] suggests that it could still be me, which misrepresents my skills as an actor.”
“I do not have any issues with Activision’s dealings concerning a character and IP they own,” Alton continued. “I genuinely appreciate the creative team and the chance I’ve had to work with them in the past. I sincerely hope to collaborate again once all actors are protected against generative AI exploitation.”
In a statement