Ashly Burch Expresses Concerns Over AI's Impact on Game Art

Ashly Burch, the voice behind Aloy in the Horizon series, has recently addressed a leaked internal Sony video featuring an AI version of Aloy. The video, which has since been removed, showcased Sony Interactive Entertainment's director of software engineering, Sharwin Raghoebardajal, engaging in a conversation with the AI character. In the clip, AI Aloy responds to a query about her well-being with, "Hello, I'm managing alright. Just dealing with a sore throat. How have you been?" However, the voice used was distinctly robotic and not Burch's, and the character's facial animations appeared stiff and lifeless.

Burch took to TikTok to share her thoughts on the video, confirming that she had been informed by Horizon developer Guerrilla that the tech demo was not reflective of any current development and did not utilize any of her performance data. This clarification likely excludes the AI version from appearing in the upcoming Horizon multiplayer game or the anticipated Horizon 3. Despite this, Burch expressed concerns about the future of game performance as an art form, leveraging the incident to highlight the ongoing strike by video game voice actors.

The strike, supported by the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), focuses on securing protections against the use of AI in replicating actors' performances. Burch emphasized the importance of consent, fair compensation, and transparency in the use of AI doubles. She voiced her fear that without these protections, actors could lose control over their digital likenesses, potentially harming the future of the industry and the art of game performance.

Burch also noted that temporary union contracts currently offer the protections the striking actors are demanding, which video game companies can sign immediately. Her message underscores a strong support for the strike, driven by a desire to safeguard the career and art form she and many others cherish.

Generative AI remains a contentious issue within the video game and broader entertainment industries, with recent examples of its use sparking debate. Keywords Studios' failed attempt to create a game using entirely AI highlighted the technology's limitations. Meanwhile, Activision's use of AI in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has faced criticism, and the ongoing strike has already affected games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft, where certain NPCs remain unvoiced. The strike's impact was also felt in League of Legends and Zenless Zone Zero, where voice actors were replaced amidst the labor action.

Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions and head of product at PlayStation Studios, has acknowledged the importance of AI in gaming, particularly for younger audiences seeking personalized experiences. He believes that AI can enhance player interactions, making them more meaningful and tailored to individual actions.

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