Apex Legends reportedly trying to replace its voice actors with AI

Call of Duty recently saw itself in some hot water when it was discovered that a number of the game’s voice actors were replaced in response to their requests for protections against AI. Unfortunately, it seems as though wanting to replace VAs with AI is the latest trend, as EA’s Apex Legends has now found itself in a similar controversy.

As posted by the French voice actor for Apex Legends character Wraith (Pascale Chemin), the artist claimed that a new agreement was shared which would require the actors to allow for their performances to be used for generative AI purposes, writing on Instagram (as translated by ResetEra user Rouk’):

“Before being even called in for a recording session of a video game, the studio sent me (and the 31 other VA in the casting) a mail containing an annex of confidentiality and handover directly from the publisher. I needed to accept these terms before being able to go work. I thought so when I read through them and a legal expert specialised in audiovisual confirmed it: these terms weren't acceptable. I was now forced to give up the role I had been working on for almost 6 years. In no way could I force the rest of the casting members to do the same, but one thing was certain: if we all refused, it could maybe have an impact. Otherwise, it would have been in vain.”

Chemin continued, “Without any hesitation, the 31 other VAs all refused to sign this annex. We wrote a collective letter of refusal that we sent to the publisher and are waiting for an answer. If we aren't united now so that a clause that protects our voices can be officially added in our contracts – and not just for us here, but for every video game dubbing studios – we'll never get one and we'll be heading for a disaster.”

The message concluded with: “Of course, to refuse to work in the present day is nonsensical. There is barely any work available for some (many) of us, if any, and we are increasingly struggling with money. Yes, a salary would be welcome. But we aren't simply asked to work. We are asked to give up our expertise to train the generative AI that will replace us tomorrow. We are asked to agree to what we specifically fight against. We are asked to shoot ourselves in the foot. We are asked to support AI.”

While the VA didn’t explicitly name the game being referred to, the claim that the title released 6 years ago (and the list of other French VA’s named) all but confirms that they are referring to Apex Legends.

As mentioned, it seems as though all major game publishers are now pushing for any and all uses of AI in their games for the sake of money. Hopefully those affected continue to speak out against it.

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KitGuru says: What do you think of the recent influx of generative AI? Will this cause the bursting of this current gaming bubble? Let us know down below.

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