Imagine stepping into a vast, complex video game world filled with an infinite variety of characters, each with their unique voices and dialogues. This immersive experience is edging closer to reality, thanks to pioneering work in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to voice acting. One of the trailblazers in this field is actor Andy Magee, who lends his voice to create synthetic characters that speak with a plethora of accents, from Cockney goblins to gruff Scottish blacksmiths.
AI in Voice Acting: A Game-Changer?
As video game worlds expand and become more intricate, game studios are turning to AI tools to lend voice to their ever-growing cast of characters. These AI voices can save both time and money by eliminating the need for “vocal scratch” recordings developers typically use for testing scenes and scripts.
Magee, a versatile actor from Northern Ireland, has embraced this emerging technology. “I hadn’t really anticipated AI voices to be my break into the industry, but, alas, I was offered paid voice work, and I was grateful for any experience I could get at the time,” he shared. Today, he specializes in voicing a diverse range of characters from the British Isles, transforming what he once considered a party trick into an exciting and rewarding career.
Mixed Reactions from the Acting Community
The use of AI voices in gaming has sparked a range of reactions among actors. Some fear that this technology could replace human actors, while others, like Magee, are open to the possibility, provided they receive fair compensation and their voices aren’t misused.
One of the vocal critics of AI voice technology is Sarah Elmaleh, known for her role as the Cube Queen in Fortnite. She chairs SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee for interactive media and has expressed concern over the exploitative use of AI voices. However, she also acknowledges the potential benefits, particularly in later stages of production.
AI Voices – Ethical Concerns and Negotiations
One of the main concerns surrounding AI voices is the potential misuse of this technology to create deepfakes. In response to these concerns, SAG-AFTRA has negotiated an agreement with Replica Studios, an AI voice company. This agreement allows actors to create and license a digital replica of their voice, with the option to opt out of having their voices used indefinitely.
Replica Studios CEO Shreyas Nivas emphasizes the company’s ethical approach to AI voices. “They control whether they wish to go ahead with this,” he said. “It’s creating new revenue streams. We’re not replacing actors.” Replica has already worked with Magee, replicating a range of characters he voiced with diverse emotional states.
In the end, the integration of AI in voice acting seems inevitable. As Zeke Alton, a voice actor known for his roles in the Call of Duty series, points out, “How do you populate thousands of planets with walking, talking entities while paying every single actor for every single individual? That just becomes unreasonable at a point.”
As we continue to explore the potentials and pitfalls of AI in gaming and beyond, it’s clear that the conversation is just getting started. Want to stay up-to-date on all things AI? Consider subscribing to the Eye on AI newsletter.
