ai Voice Actors in Video Games: SAG-AFTRA’s Groundbreaking Agreement with Replica Studios
The debate surrounding the use of ai voice actors in video games has been a hot topic in recent months. The most recent instance being Embark Studios’ new shooter, The Finals, which utilized ai-generated commentators, sparking controversy. In a significant turn of events, the actor’s union, SAG-AFTRA, has approved the use of ai voice actors for video games and has partnered with Replica Studios to deliver ‘ai done right.’
SAG-AFTRA’s Ethical Digital Replicas Initiative
This groundbreaking agreement, as some have termed it, aims to create ‘fair and ethical’ digital replicas of human voices used in video games. With the ever-evolving technology of voice replication, a future where no human voice actors are required is possible. However, this decision has drawn concerns from some in the industry.
Voice Actors’ Perspective
Quantic Dream’s Detroit: Become Human‘s Jesse Cox, who has previously lent his voice to characters such as Deus Ex’s Adam Jensen and Starfield’s Sam Coe, expressed his concerns on Twitter stating:
“I can’t help but feel like this is going to put a lot of talented performers out of work. I don’t want to see that happen.”
Similarly, Mortal Kombat 1‘s Robin Atkins Downes, who has acted in games like Diablo IV, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and The Last of Us Part II, wrote:
“The use of ai voice actors in games is a concern for many actors. We’re more than our voices, and we bring unique nuance to every role.”
Likewise, Like a Dragon: Ishin!‘s Takahiro Sakurai, who has voiced characters in The Lords of the Fallen, Remnant II, and Street Fighter 6, among others, stated:
“There’s a lot more to being a voice actor than just the sound of our voices. The emotion and depth we bring to the table is invaluable.”
Community Sentiment
The community’s reaction to this news has been overwhelmingly negative, with many prominent voice actors sharing their opinions contact. Some are even whispering about a possible second actor’s strike.
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