An approved SAG-AFTRA Agreement sparks conversations of video game voice actors and the impacts on them.
By now, we are all aware of the existence of AI and its general use along with its controversy. In the present day, the world is divided between those who are for AI integration into almost everything and then there are those who are against it, which can cause backlash, firmly believing that it takes the meaning out of creativity and the hard work put in by people. Although there are those who are both for and against it, with the stance that as long as it’s used to help and not steal it, should be fine.
With all the claims and outcomes of AI, talk of it coming into play for gaming has been a huge thing with gaming audiences sparking conversations on how this may affect artists, voice actors, and the general outcome of game design.
As of late, a brand-new agreement between SAG-AFTRA and the artificial intelligence voice technology company, Replica Studios, has been a major source of controversy, with this there is a clear threat of AI replacing video game actors with Hollywood voices, or possibly even the entertainment industry as a whole.
Having been released in December 2023, The Finals has been the topic of continued debate among the gaming community. The recently released title, The Finals, received backlash for utilizing AI voices and with this recent approval from SAG-AFTRA, and has many voice actors and gamers unhappy that humans voice work, the real thing, and keeper of true sentiment, and emotions might be replaced by AI.
Announced recently at CES 2024, this shocking agreement between SAG-AFTRA and Replica Studios would essentially allow replicated Hollywood actors’ recorded and manipulated voices to be used in video games. Conveniently, this agreement came into play right after a month-long strike.
This resulted in the disappointment of many, and what this could mean for the rest of many gaming companies. This decision is a very important one as it impacts the careers of many and if necessary, can be used responsibly.
Overall, this could affect the progress and design aspects of games and entertainment. However, many fans hope that this does not go further, as with live actors, they bring the make-or-break parts of the emotional aspects and connections to characters along with backstories, there are even games that have you fighting AI but there’s a big difference when it takes actors or artist jobs.
