Ashly Burch raises concerns over AI's rising role in gaming industry

In recent months, Ashly Burch, the voice actor for Aloy in PlayStation's Horizon series, has voiced her apprehension regarding the use of artificial intelligence technology in the gaming industry. Following an internal demonstration by Sony that showcased an AI-powered version of Aloy—which could converse using voice prompts in a chatbot-like manner—she publicly shared her fears and worries about the implications of AI for game actors. Burch received communication from Guerrilla Games, the developers of the Horizon series, informing her that her actual performance data was not utilized in the demo and clarifying that it did not reflect any current development plans. However, this reassurance was not enough to quell her anxiety about the future of game performance as an art form. She mentioned that several actors, including herself, were currently on strike with the SAG-AFTRA union due to concerns related to AI technology. The union represents over 160,000 workers and is currently at a standstill in negotiations with certain video game companies. Burch's worries extend beyond her own career; they encompass the potential negative ramifications for all game performers if greater protections are not established. Burch articulated the need for consent and compensation before any AI version of performers is created, highlighting the urgency of the situation as the technology rapidly evolves. The use of AI in gaming is not new, but recent advancements have raised concerns that actors might be replaced by AI models. Developers also fear that their roles could be jeopardized by AI tools, leading to potential redundancies in the industry. Furthermore, gamers have begun to notice the use of generative AI in games, often perceiving the effects as low quality, referred to colloquially as 'AI slop.' Despite the technological potential that AI offers to enhance gaming experiences, many within the industry are conflicted. While AI can present opportunities for cost-cutting and efficiency, it simultaneously poses threats to the livelihoods of performers and developers. Actors like Ashly Burch are advocating for clearer regulations and protections, urging for transformative changes in how the gaming industry approaches AI integration. Unless these issues are addressed, the concern is that creators, performers, and their contributions to the art form of video games may be inadequately safeguarded as the industry continues to evolve.