Last summer, SAG-AFTRA initiated an actors’ strike against video game publishers concerning a wide range of issues, including protections for AI. While the union has secured agreements with a few publishers, the strike remains in effect. Recently, Bungie confirmed that the forthcoming Destiny 2: Heresy expansion will feature scenes that lack spoken dialogue due to the unresolved contract with the actors.
In an update on Bungie’s official site, the developer emphasized that “certain voice lines” were not recorded because of the actors strike. For these scenes, Destiny 2 will display subtitles by default to ensure the story progresses despite the absent audio. The update also mentions that any Heresy missions lacking voiceovers will include an on-screen notice before commencing. However, the update does not clarify whether these lines will be recorded when the strike concludes.
On Bluesky, a voice actor known as Orchid responded to the news by reiterating the actors’ demand for a “fair deal” that tackles their AI-related issues.
To everyone voicing complaints: we’re still on strike. We want to work, but until we secure a reasonable deal that addresses our concerns regarding AI and more, we cannot. I apologize for how this affects your games, but it also impacts our ability to pay for rent and grocery bills.
— Orchid🔻🐺🌿 (@heyitsorchid.bsky.social) January 30, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Destiny 2 is not the only game negatively affected by the strikes. Hideo Kojima has stated that his upcoming projects—including OD and Physint—are also unable to record the dialogue they require from their talents.
As for Destiny 2, the Heresy expansion is set to launch on February 4 with a return to the Dreadnaught. Heresy will also introduce a new dungeon, Sundered Doctrine, as well as a collaboration with Star Wars that will bring weapons, armor cosmetics, accessories, emotes, and finishers inspired by some of the Empire’s most formidable warriors, including the Death Troopers and the Imperial Guards.
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