Renowned actor Harrison Ford recently praised voice actor Troy Baker’s portrayal in the video game Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, sparking a broader discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) in the gaming industry. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Ford highlighted that talented human performers can achieve remarkable results without relying on AI technology. This statement comes at a critical juncture as members of SAG-AFTRA, the union representing video game actors, have been on strike since July over concerns regarding the use of generative AI. The union is demanding fair compensation and transparency when AI is used to replicate their performances. Major publishers like Activision Blizzard and Warner Bros are involved in this dispute, which has affected several high-profile titles.
Ford’s endorsement of human talent over AI underscores the ongoing debate within the gaming community. His comments reflect a growing concern among performers about the potential misuse of AI technology. While some developers are willing to meet the union’s demands, major publishers remain resistant. Sarah Elmaleh, an experienced voice actor and chair of the SAG-AFTRA committee negotiating with the gaming industry, sees Ford’s remarks as a powerful endorsement of the value of human creativity. She argues that directing skilled actors is not only more creatively rewarding but also more efficient than working with AI replicas. According to Elmaleh, the human element in performance creation can be surprisingly fast when both actors and directors are seasoned professionals.
The current dispute highlights the tension between technological advancement and the protection of artists' rights. More than 160 video game productions have already signed agreements ensuring that AI cannot be used to replicate actors' performances without consent. However, major publishers are still holding out, seeking loopholes that would allow them to use past performances without permission or compensation. This could include any material actors have previously performed in, from TV shows to social media content. Elmaleh warns that if performance is reduced to mere data, it opens the door to widespread exploitation. She draws a parallel to early cinema, suggesting that such a reductionist view of performance would be absurd if applied to iconic figures like Charlie Chaplin.
Ford’s intervention has brought much-needed attention to the often-overlooked voice actors whose characters may be household names, even if they themselves are not. Elmaleh points out that no company would dare replicate Ford’s likeness without consent due to the potential backlash. Yet, the same protections are not being extended to everyday actors. This situation underscores the importance of establishing clear guidelines and safeguards for all performers in the digital age.