Horizon series voice actor Ashly Burch has publicly addressed the leaked AI Aloy demonstration video, using the incident to highlight key concerns of striking voice performers.
Last week, The Verge reported on an internal Sony video showcasing AI technology featuring Horizon's protagonist Aloy. Sony hasn't responded to IGN's requests for clarification.
The since-deleted footage showed Sony Interactive Entertainment's director of software engineering Sharwin Raghoebardajal conversing with an AI version of Aloy using synthetic voice and facial animations. Answering basic questions, the digital Aloy responded with unnatural speech patterns and robotic vocal tones completely unlike Burch's performance.
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Burch, who has voiced Aloy across four Horizon titles (including the upcoming Lego Horizon Adventures), confirmed via TikTok that Guerrilla Games assured her this prototype wasn't part of active development and didn't utilize any of her performance data. This likely excludes AI Aloy from appearing in the announced Horizon multiplayer game or potential sequel.
The actress expressed deep concern about AI's implications for performance artistry, connecting the controversy to SAG-AFTRA's ongoing strike demanding protections against AI replication. While negotiations show progress, critical protections remain unresolved according to the actors' union.
"We're fighting for consent before AI replication, fair compensation, and transparency about AI usage," Burch explained. She emphasized concerns weren't about technological advancement itself, but rather inadequate safeguards for performers.
The voice actor highlighted available interim contracts providing these protections, urging studios to adopt them. "This fight matters for the future of our craft and the next generation of performers," she stressed.
The AI debate continues intensifying across gaming and entertainment industries facing widespread job cuts. While some experiments like Keywords Studios' failed AI-only game demonstrate limitations, companies including Activision persist in implementing generative AI tools - sometimes facing player backlash.
The voice actors' strike has already impacted major titles, with reports of silent NPCs appearing in Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft. Recent controversies include League of Legends characters being rewritten amid strike tensions and Call of Duty recasting roles.
Sony's Asad Qizilbash recently defended AI applications, suggesting younger audiences expect personalized interactions with digital characters. This perspective contrasts sharply with performers' concerns about uncontrolled AI replication.
