A new hybrid AI licence for voice actors has been launched by a leading audio tool company, with the aim of providing an ethical approach for AI usage.
The somewhat ironically-named Speechless is a Swedish-based voice actor database and asset tool for developers. Its new AI licence will allow actors to provide their voice and earn a commission when used by developers.
Speechless hopes this approach will provide an ethical way for developers to experiment with AI and establish best practice.
Developers are increasingly looking to use AI as part of game development, yet actors have been sceptical about the technology. In particular, actors in the UK have been working with union Equity to battle the rise of AI-driven deepfakes, while in America, SAG-AFTRA’s recent AI voice agreement was met with concern.
Further, the actors behind Baldur’s Gate 3’s most popular characters expressed their concern to Eurogamer about the use of AI, revealing the darker side of the game’s success.
It’s unclear, then, how popular this new type of AI licence will be with actors. Yet Speechless CEO Peo Drangert is keen to find a middle ground between actors and developers.
“We can’t ignore the potential AI has for the games industry, but we need to approach this technology ethically – that’s what we aim to achieve when it comes to voice-acting,” said Drangert.
“By offering a hybrid licence, developers can streamline their processes and experiment with different voice actors at a lower cost. At the same time, voice actors are compensated for their work and the work of their AI-generated voice, have greater opportunities to collaborate with studios, and can work more flexibly. AI will continue to grow in the games sector, so we must use it responsibly to ensure a fairer industry.”