In an unprecedented move, CD Projekt, the developers behind the blockbuster video game Cyberpunk 2077, employed artificial intelligence to replace the late voice actor Miłogost Reczek. The action was undertaken with the explicit permission of Reczek’s family and has ignited a series of debates around the ethical and professional ramifications of AI in the entertainment industry. This article delves into the specifics of this unique case and explores broader concerns about the increasing role of AI in voice acting.

The Voice Actor and His Legacy

Miłogost Reczek was a Polish voice actor with a career spanning multiple high-profile roles, including the Polish dub for Homer Simpson in The Simpsons Movie and characters in The Witcher games. He was particularly well-known for his work as doctor Viktor Vektor in Cyberpunk 2077. Reczek passed away in December 2021 at the age of 60, leaving a void in the Polish voice acting community.

The Family’s Consent and Ethical Considerations

Upon Reczek’s passing, CD Projekt approached his family for permission to use AI to replicate his voice for the game’s recent expansion, Phantom Liberty. Mikołaj Szwed, CD Projekt’s localization director, indicated that the company did not wish to find a replacement voice actor. Szwed stressed that Reczek “was one of the best Polish voice talents,” and keeping his voice would serve as a tribute to his stellar performance. The family agreed, setting a precedent in how AI can be ethically used to continue an actor’s legacy.

The Technical Process

CD Projekt enlisted another voice actor to record new lines for the character Vik in the expansion. Subsequently, they employed voice-cloning software called Respeecher to alter the dialogue, making it sound as if Reczek had performed it. According to Szwed, this approach allowed the company to maintain Reczek’s performance in the game while honoring his significant contributions to the field.

AI’s Growing Influence and Industry Concerns

The use of AI technology in voice acting has become a contentious issue. Recently, members of the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) voted to authorize a potential strike over concerns about AI’s encroachment into their profession. The Interactive Negotiating Committee is focusing on how AI algorithms could replace human performers and the subsequent economic and societal implications. The adoption of AI in such a manner has caused worry among professionals, as it threatens to set a precedent that could impact various industries beyond entertainment.

Other Instances of AI in Entertainment

This is not the first time AI has been employed in the entertainment industry. Disney has also used AI algorithms to replace deceased actors like Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher in the Star Wars franchise and de-age Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones. However, the case of Miłogost Reczek has brought the conversation into the video gaming arena, where the technology’s ethical and professional ramifications are still largely undefined.

Final Thoughts

The decision by CD Projekt to use AI in replacing Miłogost Reczek has both ethical and industrial implications. While it serves as a respectful tribute to the late actor, it also opens the door for further debates on the role and limits of AI in entertainment and other sectors. As technology continues to advance, these discussions are likely to intensify, making it crucial to establish ethical and professional guidelines sooner rather than later.

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