Nearly a decade ago, when Erik Passoja lent his voice to a Belgian geneticist character in a Call of Duty video game, he hadn’t anticipated seeing his own face on an entirely different character in the same game. The surprise was less pleasant and more alarming, highlighting the potential misuse of digital representation in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
The situation Passoja encountered was a pivotal example for the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) union, which has been rallying for enhanced protections, especially around AI’s application. Although the union’s 2017 contract covered game voice actors, AI wasn’t part of the agreement. The rapid advancements in AI have increased concerns among actors. AI’s ability to efficiently gather vast amounts of data and create believable clones could change the game for performers.
For many voice actors, the core issue revolves around the ethical use of their likeness and voice. Passoja, for instance, felt the reuse of his appearance in Call of Duty was entirely unethical and immoral. His perspective echoes the broader sentiments in the industry – that a performer’s “product”, encompassing their face, voice, and movement, should be digitally watermarked and tracked. This would ensure fair compensation when the product is reused.
Zeke Alton, a voice actor and a prominent member of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee, clarifies that their call isn’t against the technology. Their demand is for baseline agreements that ensure companies seek consent and offer compensation for using an actor’s work. They also stress the importance of transparency when using data for machine learning.
The fear is not unfounded. With AI-generated voices on the horizon, many non-player character roles, often the first step for budding voice actors, may soon be rendered obsolete. Such changes could fundamentally reshape the trajectory for newcomers in the industry.
Tim Friedlander, the founder of the National Association of Voice Actors, points out another concern. Actors have discovered their audio from older games being repurposed or even cloned in new games. Such misuses can have significant professional and ethical implications.
Julia Bianco Schoeffling, of the Halp Network, recognizes the power of AI but advocates for its ethical use, emphasizing the value of human performance. The challenge lies in figuring out compensation structures as AI evolves. While the technology’s potential is undeniable, there’s a collective realization that boundaries must be set to protect the art and artists alike.
READ MORE: