Ashly Burch, the voice behind Aloy in the Horizon series, recently addressed a leaked internal Sony video showcasing AI technology using the character. The video, which has since been deleted, demonstrated AI-powered conversation with Aloy, voiced by a robotic, text-to-speech-like sound rather than Burch herself. In the demo, Sony Interactive Entertainment's director of software engineering, Sharwin Raghoebardajal, engaged in a dialogue where AI Aloy mentioned dealing with a sore throat. Despite the AI's capabilities, the facial animations appeared stiff and the eyes lacked life, highlighting the technology's limitations.
Burch took to TikTok to share her reaction, revealing that Horizon developer Guerrilla had confirmed the video was not indicative of any current or future projects. This assurance extends to the upcoming Horizon multiplayer game and the anticipated Horizon 3, where AI Aloy won't be featured. Burch expressed concern over the potential impact of such technology on the art of game performance, using the incident to spotlight the ongoing voice actors' strike.
The strike, led by SAG-AFTRA, focuses on securing protections against the unauthorized use of AI in replicating actors' performances. Burch emphasized the need for consent, fair compensation, and transparency in how AI is utilized. She highlighted the broader implications for the industry, expressing fears that without these protections, future actors might have no recourse against unauthorized use of their likeness or voice.
Burch's support for the strike is unwavering, as she believes it's crucial for safeguarding the future of voice acting in video games. She pointed out that interim union contracts are available for game companies to sign, offering the very protections the actors are fighting for.
Generative AI remains a contentious topic within the gaming and entertainment sectors, especially amidst recent layoffs and ethical concerns. Despite some failures, like Keywords Studios' experimental AI game, companies such as Activision continue to explore AI in game development, as seen with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The voice actor strike has already affected several games, with unvoiced NPCs and recasting in titles like Destiny 2, World of Warcraft, League of Legends, and Zenless Zone Zero.
Asad Qizilbash from PlayStation Productions highlighted the importance of AI in meeting the demands of Gen Z and Gen Alpha gamers for personalized experiences, suggesting a future where non-player characters could interact more dynamically with players.
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