A player probably meant well when he integrated the voice of a popular video game character in the form of a mod into Cyberpunk 2077. However, the original voice actor had some objections, and for a simple reason.
Whose voice is it? Adam Jensen is the protagonist from Deus Ex. The video game series consists of five titles and its main character is voiced by Elias Toufexis. The actor is popular in the community, which was likely the reason he found his way into Cyberpunk 2077.
No wonder, as CD Projekt Red’s game and Deus Ex are similar in some respects. Both belong to the cyberpunk genre and tell dystopian stories.
A user created a mod that allowed playing as Adam Jensen in Cyberpunk 2077 – complete with his voice. The problem: For the latter feature, he uses AI – which the original voice actor did not appreciate at all.
“Are you paying me for the use of my voice?”
What does the actor say? Elias Toufexis responded to a post made by a user on x.com. It concerns the aforementioned mod. While the post encourages using the mod because it would transform Cyberpunk 2077 into a convincing Deus Ex, Toufexis simply stated: “No. Don’t do it, for God’s sake.”
Subsequently, another user asked about the reason for the rejection. Toufexis replied: “Are you paying me for the use of my voice?”
The underlying issue is, of course, the use of AI to imitate a voice without involving the original speaker. This topic is highly relevant today, and other voice actors warn against it, while some studios want to implement it and receive severe criticism for it. AI-generated voices can quickly lead to conflicts, even if the intent of the user is good.
In the case of the mod, the creator writes in the description text (via x.com) that he celebrates the voice of Elias Toufexis and that all of this was just for fun. Should Toufexis disagree, the creator would take the mod offline.
That is exactly what has happened now: At this time, the mod cannot be downloaded anymore. Toufexis’ clear stance on the use of his voice by an AI receives much support from the community on x.com:
- “Using AI voice modifications against the will of a voice actor is not only disrespectful, but actively harms the industry. Companies use this technology to circumvent the payment of talents. Real support means respecting the boundaries of artists, not bypassing them,” writes Ninja Rick.
- “Just because the technology is capable doesn’t mean it should be used for this man,” adds SoupDogg.
- “Honestly, this mod is quite poor. I love Deus Ex, but I find the artificial voice of Jensen simply creepy,” says Katarn.
Other users actually wish to see Elias Toufexis as the voice of V from Cyberpunk 2077. It is a noble desire that the creator of the mod likely had as well.
Generating the voice of the actor through AI without asking for permission is, of course, anything but appropriate. What do you think about this topic? Feel free to let us know in the comments. A horror game wants to use AI for an innovative game concept: Horror game on Steam turns your friends into your opponents using artificial intelligence
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