The Great AI Voice Debate: Why Jennifer Hale and David Hayter Believe in the Power of Human Performance

AI has become a topic of controversy in recent times due to the rapid advancement of technologies like image-generating tools such as Midjourney and AI language models like ChatGPT. While these tools are undeniably useful and entertaining, they are also disruptive forces in various industries. The ethics surrounding these AI tools are currently being debated, particularly regarding how they are trained on images, voices, and writings without the consent of their creators. Although AI voice acting may benefit indie game developers who cannot afford voice actors, it is crucial to address these concerns as the technology becomes more prevalent in the industry.

In a recent interview with Game Rant, renowned voice actors Jennifer Hale and David Hayter discussed their thoughts on AI's role in their profession. They delved into the question of whether AI will be capable of replacing human performers and also touched upon the legal rights that actors have when it comes to the use of their voices.

Jennifer Hale Says Actors Must Be Compensated Or It's Theft

Jennifer Hale emphasized the importance for industry professionals to not succumb to fear, but instead to proactively safeguard themselves and be aware of their legal rights, considering the emergence of highly accurate AI renditions of well-known personalities like Joe Rogan or Donald Trump in online spoofs. She further highlighted the potential consequences of unauthorized use of someone's likeness, stating that if someone were to utilize Joey's image to promote their own company without permission, they would likely face legal repercussions for appropriating someone's identity without any compensation.

Many individuals have become aware of this reality and fully acknowledge it, which I deeply appreciate. It is crucial to recognize that we possess certain entitlements, and if one intends to utilize another person's voice, proper compensation must be provided. It is imperative to refrain from stealing someone's voice because that is essentially what it amounts to: theft.

Hale suggests that voice actors utilize the resources offered by the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) to safeguard their vocal likeness against misuse. NAVA also offers assistance in establishing contracts for actors who may wish to license their voices for use in AI tools. Thanks to such resources, it is feasible to strike a balance that benefits both actors and AI tools. However, it is evident that the ultimate role of AI in the industry is inherently constrained by one significant factor: the human soul.

Jennifer Hale and David Hayter Don't Think AI Can Truly Replace Human Voice Actors

Both Jennifer Hale and David Hayter are unfazed by the prospect of being replaced despite concerns about legal rights and theft. They firmly believe that AI, while impressive on the surface, can never truly replicate the unique human qualities that define their performances. According to David Hayter, the voice behind Metal Gear Solid, AI may be capable of replicating the voice itself, but it falls short when it comes to capturing the soul of the person. He points out that while deep fakes of Joe Biden or Trump may sound tonally similar, they also carry a distinct computerized quality. The intricate emotional nuances that Jennifer Hale infuses into each line cannot be replicated by a computer, and David Hayter doubts that such a feat will ever be possible.

AI is a valuable tool that will undoubtedly be explored and its limitations discovered within our community. However, it is unlikely that AI will completely take over the task of writing scripts or performing in our productions. Nevertheless, Hayter acknowledges that AI technology will have a place in the industry. For instance, AI voice acting has been utilized in the development of Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 as a temporary vocal placeholder, allowing for the fine-tuning of timing and phrasing before real actors are brought in for the final product. Additionally, AI-voiced dialogue has been incorporated into older games like The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind, providing players with a means to experience vocalized content without the need for a full remake.