Jane Perry Offers a Nuanced Perspective on the Impact of Generative AI on Voice Acting

The advent of generative AI has significant implications for the voice acting profession, with the potential to replace human actors with synthetic voices. However, according to Jane Perry, a British-Canadian actor and teacher, this technology has already begun to damage the viability of the profession. Perry, who has worked on various projects including the Hitman: World of Assassination trilogy and the BAFTA-winning game Returnal, emphasized that the impact of AI extends beyond the video game industry, affecting actors who work on audiobooks, narration, corporate videos, and e-learning. She noted that many developers in the industry value the contributions of human actors and are working to maintain their role in the creative process. Perry also highlighted the importance of communication and collaboration between actors, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the use of AI is done in a way that respects the rights and contributions of human performers. While acknowledging the benefits of AI, such as its ability to record grunts and barks without damaging actors' voices, Perry cautioned against its unchecked use, emphasizing the need for moderation, consent, and protection of actors' rights. Ultimately, Perry's talk underscored the importance of preserving the human element in voice acting, which brings memory, meaning, and emotion to a game, and reminded the audience that the replacement of human voices with synthetic ones could result in a significant loss for the industry and its players.