Makers of Cyberpunk 2077 video game use AI to regenerate voice of dead actor 'to pay tribute'

Polish video game developer CD Projekt SA has harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) technology to recreate the voice of a late actor in its latest release, the company confirmed. In a notable application of AI, the voice of the late Miłogost Reczek, a popular Polish voice actor who passed away in 2021, was digitally reproduced for the Polish-language version of “Phantom Liberty,” the new expansion to CD Projekt’s hit game, Cyberpunk 2077.

The company explained that it obtained explicit permission from Reczek’s family before proceeding with this innovative approach. Although CD Projekt contemplated the possibility of replacing the late actor in the expansion and re-recording his lines in the original game, they ultimately opted against it.

CD Projekt’s Localization Director, Mikołaj Szwed, stated, “We didn’t like this approach,” emphasizing Reczek’s status as “one of the best Polish voice talents” and lauding his exceptional performance as Doctor Viktor Vektor in the game.

Instead, the developer took a unique route by hiring a different voice actor to perform new lines for the role and subsequently employed Respeecher, a voice-cloning software based in Ukraine, to create an algorithm capable of modifying the dialogue to mimic Reczek’s voice closely. This strategy allowed the company to preserve his exceptional performance within the game and pay homage to his work as Viktor Vektor.

Mikołaj Szwed also expressed gratitude for the support of Reczek’s sons in the endeavour, acknowledging their role in this creative process.

The utilization of generative AI, which can generate text, images, and voice based on prompts, has increasingly prompted ethical and practical discussions regarding its application within the creative domain, spanning the entertainment industry. Notably, film franchises like Star Wars have employed technology to replace deceased actors such as Carrie Fisher and Peter Cushing. The use of AI has also emerged as a contentious issue during recent strikes involving writers and actors in the entertainment industry.

Just last month, voice actors within the video game industry initiated a strike in anticipation of negotiations with gaming companies, addressing various issues, including concerns over the unauthorized use of AI to replicate their work. Union leader Ray Rodriguez underscored the potential threat posed by the unregulated use of artificial intelligence, asserting that it “poses an existential threat to anyone who makes their living using their voice, image, or performance.”

CD Projekt SA’s utilization of AI to honour the voice and legacy of Miłogost Reczek exemplifies the growing role of AI technology in creative industries and the broader ethical discussions it engenders. The innovative approach showcases both the potential and challenges AI poses in entertainment.