The beloved RPG Genshin Impact might be preparing for a significant change to one of its most iconic characters. New leaks indicate that Paimon, the game's mascot character, could receive a new English voice actor in the upcoming Version 5.7 update. This potential change comes after months of controversy surrounding voice actor contracts and the SAG-AFTRA strike.

While Genshin Impact operates as a non-union project, the SAG-AFTRA strike significantly impacted its English voice cast. Many voice actors participated in work stoppages, either demanding better AI protections or pushing for unionization. The situation became particularly heated when Corina Boettger, Paimon's original English voice actor, publicly criticized the recasting of another character and ultimately announced they would not return unless developer HoYoverse signed the SAG-AFTRA interim agreement.

According to leaks from reliable sources, the new voice samples for Paimon maintain the character's signature high-pitched, fairy-like tone but introduce a more melodic quality. Early reactions from the community have been positive, though players are advised to wait for official confirmation from HoYoverse before drawing conclusions.

The voice actor situation in Genshin Impact remains complex. While some actors like Aether's voice actor have confirmed their return, others like Diluc's voice actor Sean Chiplock have stated they will only come back with stronger AI protections in their contracts. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges of international game development in an era of increasing focus on voice actor rights and AI usage.

As Version 5.7 approaches, featuring new characters like Skirk and Dahlia, the potential voice change for Paimon adds another layer of anticipation. The gaming community will be watching closely to see how HoYoverse navigates these professional challenges while maintaining the quality and consistency players expect from this massively popular title.