Ashly Burch, the voice behind Aloy in the Horizon series, recently addressed a leaked Sony video that showcased AI technology using the character. The video, which was reported by The Verge, demonstrated an AI-powered Aloy interacting with Sony Interactive Entertainment's director of software engineering, Sharwin Raghoebardajal. In the video, AI Aloy responded to a casual inquiry about her health with a robotic voice and stiff animations, clearly not reflecting Burch's performance. Sony has not yet responded to IGN's request for comment on the matter.
Burch took to TikTok to discuss the video, confirming that Horizon developer Guerrilla had informed her that the tech demo was not part of any active development and did not use her performance data. This clarification suggests that AI Aloy won't feature in upcoming projects like the Horizon multiplayer game or Horizon 3, though Sony retains ownership of the character. Burch expressed concern over the potential impact of AI on the art of game performance, using the video as a springboard to highlight the ongoing voice actors' strike.
The strike, supported by the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), is focused on securing protections against the use of AI in replicating actors' performances without consent or fair compensation. Burch emphasized the importance of these protections, noting the potential harm to future generations of actors and the integrity of the industry if the strike's demands are not met. She also pointed out that temporary union contracts are currently available, offering the protections that the striking voice actors are seeking.
The broader context of generative AI in video games has sparked debate, with companies like Keywords Studios facing challenges in creating AI-generated content that resonates with audiences. Meanwhile, other companies such as Activision have begun using AI for asset development in games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, despite public backlash. The voice actor strike has already affected several games, with instances of unvoiced NPCs and recast characters reported in titles like Destiny 2, World of Warcraft, and League of Legends.
Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions and head of product at PlayStation Studios, has highlighted the importance of AI in providing personalized gaming experiences for younger audiences, such as Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who value customization and meaningful interactions in their games.
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