Prominent voice actors have expressed their frustration, claiming they were not informed about a groundbreaking deal between the US actors’ union Sag-Aftra and AI firm Replica Studios, outlining the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated voices in games.
The union asserts that the agreement ensures “fully informed consent and fair compensation” for its members. However, many voice artists, who have long feared that AI could replace their roles, are angered, with one describing the deal as “garbage.”
This controversy follows Sag-Aftra’s leading role in a prolonged strike in 2023, aiming to secure protections against film and television studios utilizing AI. Some voice actors argue that this new deal contradicts the purpose of that industrial action, with Fallout and Mortal Kombat voice actor Sunil Malhotra expressing frustration, stating he “sacrificed to strike half of last year to keep my profession alive, not shop around my AI replica.”
In a blog post covering the announcement, Sag-Aftra stated that the deal was “approved by affected members of the union’s voiceover performer community.” Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the union’s chief negotiator, emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of voice talent as game studios explore more efficient ways to create their games.
Despite the union’s assurances, Steve Blum, a voice actor credited by Guinness for being the most prolific in video games, claimed that “nobody” he knew had approved the deal.
According to Sag-Aftra, the agreement delineates terms and conditions for AI-generated voices in video games, licensed by Replica Studios for use in gaming and other media. The agreement mandates obtaining consent from actors before using voices based on their likeness and grants voice actors the authority to deny perpetual use of their voice without consent.
However, several performers have criticized the deal, with World of Warcraft voice actor Andrew Russell calling it “garbage,” and Shelby Young, set to voice Yuko in the upcoming Persona 3: Reload, expressing being “really disappointed” in the union.
Criticism extends beyond the gaming sphere, with voices like Joshua Seth, known for Digimon’s Tai, labeling it a “big mistake.” Audiobook narrator Paige Reisenfeld expressed being “ashamed” that her union payments contributed to it, and Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash in Pokemon, questioned how the deal was made without a vote.
Sag-Aftra president Fran Dresch defended the deal, describing it as “a great example of AI being done right.” Meanwhile, Replica Studios CEO Shreya Nivas characterized the agreement as an “ethical approach” to AI, expressing excitement about the opportunities it opens for AAA studios to benefit from Replica’s AI voice technology while ensuring fair recognition and compensation for talent.