Cyberpunk 2077 Uses AI to Bring Deceased Voice Actor Back to Life
The recent release of the Phantom Liberty expansion for Cyberpunk 2077 has captivated gamers once again. The game, set in a world filled with AI technology, utilized this technology to bring deceased actor Miłogost Reczek’s character Viktor Vector back to life. CD Projekt Red (CDPR), the developer of the game, collaborated with Ukrainian AI tool developer Respeecher to recreate Reczek’s voice after obtaining permission from his family.
Viktor Vector is a Ripperdoc in Cyberpunk 2077, a doctor who deals with cyberware installation and removal. Initially, CDPR considered replacing the actor, but ultimately decided to use AI technology to preserve Reczek’s role in the game as a tribute to his performance.
Respeecher, founded in 2018, specializes in using AI to create synthetic recreations of human voices. They have previously worked on projects such as recreating Elvis Presley’s voice for “America’s Got Talent” and providing voice cloning services for films, television shows, advertisements, and games.
The Rise of AI Voice Cloning
AI voice cloning technology has become increasingly prevalent in various industries. Other companies like Speechify, Resemble, Murf, and Amazon Web Services are also developing similar technologies.
However, the use of AI in voice cloning has sparked concerns about deepfakes and their potential misuse. World leaders and industry professionals alike have raised questions about the ethical implications of creating AI-generated replicas of individuals’ voices and appearances.
The Impact on Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) Strike
AI’s role in the entertainment industry has also played a part in the ongoing strike by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA). The union and its members are opposing the idea of digitally scanning background actors and paying them a one-time fee. In September, the interactive media division of SAG-AFTRA voted in favor of authorizing a strike, highlighting the concerns surrounding compensation and usage.
Voice actor Ben Prendergast, known for his work in games like Apex Legends and God of War: Ragnarok, expressed confidence that AI cannot replace the artistic choices made by human actors. While he acknowledges the importance of fair compensation, he believes that AI lacks the ability to replicate the nuanced performances created by human actors.
Hot Take: Balancing Innovation and Ethical Considerations
The use of AI technology to recreate a deceased actor’s voice in Cyberpunk 2077 demonstrates both the potential benefits and ethical challenges associated with AI-generated content. While it allows developers to pay tribute to talented performers, it also raises concerns about the implications of using AI to replicate human voices without consent. Striking a balance between innovation and ethical considerations will be crucial as AI continues to advance in various industries.
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