The Witcher Voice Actor Raises Concerns Over AI Impact on the Industry

Renowned voice actor Doug Cockle, famous for his portrayal of Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher game series, has voiced caution and frustration about the increasing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the video game industry. Cockle expressed his apprehensions to IGN, acknowledging the inevitability of AI integration but deeming it "dangerous."

While Cockle recognizes the potential benefits of AI, his primary concern lies in its potential misuse for unethical purposes. Developers are already incorporating AI in various aspects, including filling in background, non-playable character voices, and more. Cockle underscored the ethical dilemma when AI is used to replicate human voices without consent, impacting voice actors' livelihoods.

The actor revealed instances where AI companies approached him to upload his Geralt voice to their databases, a practice he vehemently opposed to protect his voice from unauthorized use. Cockle emphasized that even well-intentioned applications, such as fan-made mods, can adversely affect voice actors by depriving them of income.

Cissy Jones, another prominent voice actor, has initiated Morpheme.ai, a company aiming to empower voice actors in navigating AI's impact. Cockle supports this initiative, advocating for measures that allow actors to control the use of their voices in AI applications.

The debate surrounding AI in the gaming industry extends beyond concerns about income loss for voice actors. Cockle highlighted the potential for AI to be exploited for malicious purposes, producing content that could be racist, politically sensitive, or ethically questionable. The actor stressed that the core issue lies not with AI itself but with those utilizing it for illicit purposes.

As the gaming community increasingly recognizes the voices behind their favorite characters, Cockle's concerns reflect a growing need for ethical guidelines and solutions to ensure voice actors have control over their contributions in an AI-driven landscape. The delicate balance between innovation and ethical responsibility continues to be a focal point in discussions surrounding AI in the gaming world.