A leaked tech demo of Aloy’s AI imitation has left voice actor Ashly Burch worried about the future of her profession and the industry as a whole.
Game performance as an art form is a concern for many in the industry. Recently, a leaked tech demo showcased an AI imitation of Aloy‘s voice from the Horizon series. The footage, which was shared online and later taken down due to copyright strikes, left many wondering about the future of voice acting.
The Impact on Voice Actors
Ashly Burch, the voice actor behind Aloy in Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Hidden West, expressed her concerns about the leaked demo. She stated that she feels worried not just about her own career or the game franchise, but about the profession as a whole. ‘I feel like it’s a stark reminder of what’s at stake for voice actors like myself.’ Burch emphasized that the tech demo was a stark reminder of what’s at stake for voice actors like herself.
Ashly Burch is a multitalented American voice actress, known for her extensive work in the gaming and animation industries.
Born on August 19, 1983, she began her career in voice acting with roles such as 'Naito' in the video game 'Lollipop Chainsaw.' She has also provided voices for several critically acclaimed games, including 'Life is Strange', 'Borderlands 2', and 'Destiny.' Burch's talent extends beyond gaming, with appearances in animated series like 'RWBY' and 'Castlevania.'
The Current State of the Industry
Burch reiterated that voice actors are currently on strike, largely due to the use of AI technology in the industry. The SAG-AFTRA union, which represents many voice actors, has been leading the charge against the use of AI-generated content without performer consent and fair compensation. ‘The technology isn’t the problem, but rather the lack of common sense protections for performers.’ Burch’s comments highlight the importance of protecting performers’ rights in this rapidly changing landscape.
SAG-AFTRA is a labor union that represents over 160,000 film and television actors, including screen actors, voice-over artists, and radio personalities.
The union was formed in 2012 through the merger of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).
SAG-AFTRA negotiates contracts with producers and studios to secure fair pay, benefits, and working conditions for its members.
The Importance of Consent and Fair Compensation
Burch emphasized the need for performers to have their consent before an AI version of them is created, and for fair compensation to be provided. She stated that ‘if voice actors lose this fight, there would be no recourse for a performer whose likeness is stolen by AI.’ If voice actors lose this fight, there would be no recourse for a performer whose likeness is stolen by AI.
A Call to Action
Burch‘s comments serve as a reminder of the need for industry leaders to prioritize the rights and well-being of voice actors. As the use of AI technology continues to grow, it’s essential that performers have a say in how their likenesses are used. The future of voice acting depends on it.
