Ben Diskin Not Returning to Voice Mega Man in Dual Override

Following SAG-AFTRA’s “Do Not Work” order for Mega Man: Dual Override, Ben Diskin, the English voice actor for Mega Man, has announced that he will no longer voice the character and will not be returning for Dual Override.

Via Ben's Bluesky:

With a broken Blue Bomber heart, I am no longer the voice of Mega Man.

I was asked to return for Mega Man: Dual Override, but only on the condition I work without the protections of a union contract.

I was told there are "full A.I. protections in place that guarantee in writing that [my] voice will never be used for A.I. development" but was also told "with certainty, from [Capcom], that the project will not go union."

While I certainly appreciate the acknowledgement of the concern around AI, working without a contract I can realistically enforce isn't something I can risk.

The only way to enforce non-union contracts like this involves personally taking giant companies like Capcom to court and suing if I thought they'd used AI. I don't have the mental, emotional, or monetary strength to survive a protracted legal fight.

In my heart, I want to believe Capcom would never use AI...

But in my HEAD, I'm aware that basically every major corporation is looking to incorporate generative AI to save money.

The video game industry is facing record layoffs and huge amounts of uncertainty.

I need a union contract to feel safe.

(Also, as an aside, I don't think it makes sense to strike for over 11 months to get enforceable AI abuse protections and then turn right around and go back to work without them.)

I truly wish Capcom was at least willing to speak with SAG-AFTRA about doing this game union. I expressed that I'd even be willing to work on a LOWER-budget union contract if it meant this flipped. It genuinely wasn't about the money for me.

It's been an honor voicing Mega Man in Mega Man 11, the best-selling game in the series' history and watching Mega Man reclaim his rightful place as a gaming icon.

I hope Mega Man: Dual Override is even more successful than 11 and that everyone enjoys all the hard work the devs are putting into it.

"Good luck out there, Mega!"

I just wish I could have been there with you.

Everyone at Rockman Corner wishes Ben all the best in his future endeavors.