An independent game studio, Serene Questworks, is facing scrutiny for allegedly planning to replace voice actors in their upcoming game, Castle of Secrets, with artificial intelligence (AI) generated voices. This controversy stems from claims made by two voice actors who were originally hired for the project.
Voice actor Mika Nerida brought attention to the issue in a post on X, where they expressed their frustration upon discovering the studio’s intention to utilize AI tools. According to Nerida, the studio aimed to create multiple character voices from just their recorded performance, transforming their work into various roles voiced by what would effectively be different ‘actors’ generated by AI. Nerida’s message read, “Put a finger down if you were about to be in a video game, but the devs decided that they wanted to use AI trained voices over YOUR takes for over 4000+ lines, then decided to can not only you but every voice actor they had.”
Nerida shared a screenshot showing that fellow voice actor Ian Mitchell had been banned from the game’s Steam community forum due to alleged “personal hostility” towards the project. Mitchell confirmed the authenticity of the screenshot and described the AI technology being considered by the studio as more than just a voice alteration tool; according to him, it could significantly change a person’s voice, ultimately intended to cut costs on hiring various voice actors. Mitchell argued that the original voice actors who auditioned were capable of delivering a range of voices for different characters.
The situation has raised important questions within the voice acting community, especially with the growing use of AI in creative industries. Many actors feel left out of the conversation regarding how AI tools might impact their work and livelihoods. The voice acting profession relies heavily on nuanced performances, which AI may struggle to replicate effectively. This sentiment is echoed by multiple industry professionals who worry that replacing real human performances with AI could dilute the emotional and artistic quality of video games.
In response to these developments, the Steam gaming platform now requires developers to disclose whether they are using any form of generative AI in their games. If studios fail to report the use of AI-generated content accurately, they risk removal from the platform. The Steam page for Castle of Secrets currently includes a disclaimer stating that it involves “sometimes generated voice acting.”
Despite the mounting criticism, Serene Questworks has not yet issued a public statement addressing the allegations. The outcome of this situation may have implications for the broader landscape of voice acting and the ongoing dialogue about AI’s role in creative fields.
This incident highlights a critical discussion about ethics and transparency in the use of AI in creative projects. The concerns raised by the affected actors reflect a wider apprehension about how AI technologies might shape the future of the entertainment industry, specifically regarding the preservation of authentic human expression in artistic endeavors.