Red Dead Redemption 2 elevated the storytelling aspect of not only Rockstar, but video games as a medium, to new heights. The gripping, emotional plot of the game devastated long-time RDR fans and new players alike, eventually leading to it becoming the seventh best-selling game of all time.
While the immensely talented devs at Rockstar Games get a large portion of the credit for the enormous achievement, the excellent voice actors that brought the beautifully-written characters to life deserve their fair share as well. However, Roger Clark, the voice of Arthur Morgan, has raised concerns about VA careers potentially being under jeopardy.
AI Growth Has Been Staggering
Artificial intelligence has been growing at nothing short of a breakneck velocity. Companies like OpenAI have managed to massively advance text-to-speech, text-to-image, and text-to-video models in a very short timeframe, and that’s just one company. Almost every business in Silicon Valley is actively pursuing AI in some way.
Fears of AI have grown so much that even Hollywood actors have had their contracts amended to disallow studios from using AI to replicate their performances.
This brings up a valid concern – does AI have the potential to replace human voice actors altogether one day, rendering voices like Roger Clark’s performance as Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2 obsolete?
Red Dead Redemption‘s Roger Clark Speaks On AI In The Games Industry
In a recent interview with IGN, Clark voiced his anxieties about AI’s impact on the acting profession. He expressed reservations about the technology, particularly when used to mimic existing actors:
It is going to replace some. I think that’s unavoidable. I don’t think it will completely replace actors, but I think it’s here to stay and I think it’s going to be used as a tool from here on out. I think the audience and customers still have a little more respect and regard for human performances, but there’s a lot of them that don’t really care at the same time. So, AI is here to stay. That is unarguable.
The crux of his concern lies in the potential devaluation of human performance. While some audiences undoubtedly recognize the nuance and depth a skilled actor brings to a character, others may be indifferent. This creates a scenario where studios, driven by cost-cutting measures, may turn to AI as a cheaper alternative.
Clark drew the line at AI being used to plagiarise another actor’s voice, saying, “What I have a problem with is when it’s being used to copy what’s already been done before. If you can’t hire Troy Baker and you just get an AI program to have him say whatever you want to say, I find that incredibly immoral. But there are many, many applications for AI that I know can and probably will help this industry. It pains me to say it but I think it’s an unavoidable truth. For selfish reasons, I just want to keep working, you know?“
However, he isn’t entirely dismissive of AI’s potential benefits. He acknowledged its potential as a “tool” within the industry. AI could be used to generate new and unique voices, opening doors for innovative storytelling and character development. It could also streamline game development, allowing for quicker and more cost-effective voice acting for smaller studios or indie projects.
The ethical considerations surrounding AI voice acting are complex. While the technology holds promise for expanding creative possibilities, the potential for inauthenticity and, indirectly, disrespect for established artists cannot be ignored. The industry needs to tread carefully, ensuring that AI complements human talent rather than supplants it.
For now, it’s uncertain whether Rockstar Games will embrace AI voice acting for future Red Dead Redemption entries. However, studios that do go down this path should find a balance, utilizing AI tools creatively while recognizing the irreplaceable value human actors bring to the table.
