Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) is at the center of the debate about the future of the video game industry. From Ubisoft, which argues that AI represents a revolution comparable to the shift to 3D graphics, to EA, which plans to leverage AI to manage its hefty $20 billion debt, the enthusiasm for this technology is palpable among industry executives. For his part, Microsoft’s head of AI seems to not understand the resistance that some have towards this growing trend.
Get rid of AI once and for all, man
However, not everyone shares this optimistic view. Voice actress Jennifer English, known for her work in titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, has expressed her reservations about the application of AI in the creation of video game content. In an interview with GamesRadar during the Golden Joystick Awards, she made a simple yet powerful appeal: “Don’t do it.” English acknowledges that AI can be useful as a tool, as long as it does not replace human creativity. “Mistakes are beautiful. Imperfections are wonderful. Keep them. Keep it human,” she emphasized.
Their comments resonate with those of other voice actors from Baldur’s Gate 3, who had already raised their voices last year against the unauthorized use of their voices by AI. Amelia Tyler, the game’s narrator, spoke about how this not only steals jobs but also identities. In this context, executives like Tim Sweeney from Epic Games have envisioned a future where AI can provide infinite and personalized dialogues, but concerns about the ethical use of this technology persist among artists.
In a landscape where the voices of the actors seem to be at risk due to these practices, English urges video game companies to utilize their “beautiful and creative human brains.” Meanwhile, the industry continues to navigate the delicate balance between technological innovation and the preservation of the human essence in creativity.