Image Credit: LootBar

The recent recasting of Kinich’s English voice actor in Genshin Impact has stirred up discussions within the gaming community, bringing attention to labor disputes, voice acting ethics, and industry practices.

The Change in Kinich’s Voice

With the Version 5.5 update, players noticed that Kinich’s voice had changed. Previously voiced by John Patneaude, the role was now taken over by Jacob Takanashi, a Tokyo-based voice actor. The change was quietly confirmed in patch notes, but it quickly gained traction as fans speculated about the reason behind the switch.

Why Was Kinich Recast?

John Patneaude later addressed the situation, explaining that his participation in the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike—specifically advocating for AI protections in the gaming industry—led to his recasting. Since the strike involved withholding work from affected projects, Patneaude was unable to continue voicing Kinich, which resulted in the role being reassigned.

Patneaude expressed disappointment over the situation, stating that he had hoped for a different outcome but ultimately stood by his decision to support the strike.

Community and Industry Reactions

The recasting sparked mixed reactions from both the gaming community and industry professionals:

• Support for Patneaude: Many fellow voice actors and fans voiced solidarity with Patneaude, emphasizing the importance of collective bargaining and fair treatment in the industry. Some saw this as an example of why strong labor protections are necessary, particularly with the rise of AI technology in creative fields.
• Backlash Against the Recasting: Some players and industry figures criticized the decision to replace Patneaude during an active labor dispute, arguing that it undermined the purpose of the strike and the push for better working conditions.
• Support for Jacob Takanashi: Others defended Takanashi’s involvement, pointing out that voice actors—especially those working internationally or outside union protections—often have limited opportunities and must make career choices based on their circumstances. This led to broader discussions about the complexities of voice acting as a global profession.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond just one character’s voice, this situation highlights deeper issues in the gaming industry:

• Labor Rights and AI Protections: As AI-generated voices become more advanced, voice actors are pushing for protections to ensure that their work isn’t easily replaced or exploited. The strike that led to Patneaude’s recasting is part of a larger fight for fair treatment in this evolving landscape.
• The Globalization of Voice Acting: Genshin Impact, being a Chinese-developed game with an international audience, frequently works with voice actors from different regions. This situation sheds light on how different labor laws, union protections, and industry standards affect voice talent worldwide.
• Community Awareness and Engagement: The response to this recasting shows that players are becoming more aware of the people behind their favorite characters. Discussions like these highlight the growing intersection between gaming culture and real-world labor rights.

The recasting of Kinich serves as a reminder that every voice in a game comes from a real person with real concerns. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how companies navigate these challenges and how players continue to advocate for the voices behind their favorite characters.