Ashly Burch Raises Concerns Over AI in Gaming

Ashly Burch, the acclaimed voice actress behind Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn, has expressed her apprehensions regarding AI-generated performances in the gaming industry. This follows the emergence of a leaked Sony prototype showcasing an AI-based version of her character.

The footage, initially shared with The Verge and subsequently removed from YouTube by a copyright enforcement entity affiliated with Sony PlayStation, was described as an internal test rather than an active development project by Guerrilla Games, the developer of Horizon. Nevertheless, Burch perceives the implications as concerning, impacting not only her career but also the integrity of game performance as an artistic endeavour.

Burch conveyed her worries, stating that the focus is not specifically on Guerrilla or her career but more broadly on the art form itself. “Game performance as an art form” is at risk, she added.

Impact of AI on Voice Acting

These remarks come at a crucial moment as video game actors are currently on strike under SAG-AFTRA, which has made the use of AI in gaming a contentious issue in industry negotiations.

Burch noted that the strike is specifically addressing AI concerns: “We are currently on strike. SAG-AFTRA is on strike against video games because of AI.” This is fueled by awareness of the intent of game companies to implement AI technology, prompting demands for protections.

SAG-AFTRA’s Demands

The requirements from SAG-AFTRA’s video game division include:

• Actors must provide mandatory consent before AI versions of their performances are created.
• Fair compensation should be provided for any use of AI-generated performances.
• There must be transparency regarding how AI-generated versions of actors will be utilised.

Burch emphasizes that her concerns are not about opposing technological advancements; rather, it is about the potential future where actors may lose their rights and have no means to counter AI-generated replacements. She imagines a scenario where a video emerges featuring someone’s performance and raises the alarming possibility that the individual would have no options if they were not able to fight for their rights.

Industry Implications

Although AI-generated characters and dialogue have always been a possibility, the recent Sony video demonstrating an AI-driven Aloy is precisely what video game actors worry about — a reality where studios may choose to bypass hiring voice performers altogether.

Burch has lent her voice to numerous significant Sony franchises, including The Last of Us Part II and Spider-Man. She has taken a bold step by highlighting industry issues. While she is careful not to implicate specific companies, she stresses the urgent need for protections in this rapidly changing environment.

“The technology isn’t the problem. Game companies wanting to use the technology is not the problem. The problem is we’re currently on strike, and the bargaining group will not agree to give us common-sense protections,” she explains.

Burch’s Contributions to Voice Acting

Burch is not only celebrated for her role as Aloy but is also recognised for her performances as:

• Chloe Price in Life Is Strange
• Tiny Tina in the Borderlands series
• A recurring character in Critical Role
• A writer and performer on Apple TV+’s Mythic Quest

Her concerns echo a broader conversation on the involvement of AI in entertainment, as both Hollywood actors and gaming performers seek measures to safeguard against studios that are exploring AI to minimise costs.

With the ongoing SAG-AFTRA video game strike, Burch’s comments act as a rallying cry for the industry to establish protections before AI technology reshapes the gaming and entertainment sectors. “I love this industry and this art form so much, and I want there to be a new generation of actors. I want there to be so many more incredible game performances.”