Washington, D.C. — Renowned video game voice actor Jennifer Hale has spoken out about the rising concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on the livelihoods of voice actors. In an interview with Variety on August 31, Hale discussed the ongoing strike in the video game industry and the potential dangers posed by AI technology.
AI is coming for all of us, Hale warned. In fact, AI is just a tool. It’s like a hammer; if I have a hammer, I can build you a house. I can also take the same hammer and shatter your skin, destroy you.
Hale highlighted the issue of compensation when AI uses elements derived from an actor’s body or voice. If AI uses something that comes from our body or our voice, are we getting paid for that? Right now, you are using technology to take away our ability to feed our children!
The issue has gained significant traction with the launch of the NO FAKES bill, proposed by the American Voice Actors Association to the U.S. Congress. The bill aims to protect individuals’ voices and visual likenesses from the influence of generative AI.
One of Hale’s earliest video game projects was Metal Gear Solid, where she provided the voice for the female protagonist, Naomi Hunter. She revealed that her total compensation for two sessions of voice work was a mere $1,200, while the game itself generated approximately $176 million in revenue.
The discrepancy is staggering, Hale noted.
The ongoing strike, which began on July 26, involves over 160,000 members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). The strike has caused significant disruptions in the video game industry, impacting companies from major publishers to small independent studios.
The core issue of the strike revolves around the use of AI technology. The union is demanding strict protection of actors’ digital replicas and the application of generative AI to prevent unauthorized use of their images and voices. However, the game industry negotiation committee, representing interests including those of Activision Blizzard, Take-Two, and Naughty Dog among 30 companies, has分歧 over the scope of protection.
The industry needs to recognize the value of the human element in video games, said a representative from SAG-AFTRA. AI cannot replicate the nuances and emotions that human voice actors bring to their roles.
The concerns raised by Hale and other voice actors reflect a broader debate about the role of AI in various industries. As AI technology advances, it has the potential to automate tasks traditionally performed by humans, raising questions about job security and the future of work.
We need to ensure that technology serves to enhance our lives, not replace the human touch, Hale emphasized.
The NO FAKES bill, if passed, could set a precedent for how AI is regulated in the entertainment industry. It would require companies to obtain explicit consent from actors before using their voices or likenesses in AI-generated content, ensuring fair compensation and protection of their rights.
In conclusion, Jennifer Hale’s comments highlight the urgent need for a balanced approach to AI integration in the video game industry. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to address the potential negative impacts on the livelihoods of those who contribute to the creative process.
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