Actors and Developers Criticize AI-Generated Voices in The Finals

The multiplayer game, The Finals, recently debuted its beta, in which the commentary is developed with AI, drawing criticism from voice actors and developers. The AI-produced voices used instead of typical recorded voices from actors have stirred controversy. In the game, the two commentators heard during gameplay are AI-produced, a concept revealed by the developers in a podcast back in July.

Voices in games are usually considered an ‘asset’ during the development process. However, using AI for this was criticized for removing the depth that real actors can bring, according to critics. Tweets from several actors expressing their dissatisfaction were featured by Eurogamer, highlighting the potential for professional voiceovers to be done quickly and at less cost.

Developers of The Finals, Embark Studios, have responded to the criticism, claiming that their goal is not to entirely replace actors, but to achieve a balance between recorded voices and AI-generated audio depending on the situation. The AI computer tools could at times yield personalized voices that otherwise might not have been possible due to the speed of implementation.

The use of AI for voice production in games has been under scrutiny for some time, particularly during the actors’ and writers’ strike in Hollywood where AI use was debated. The Finals beta is currently open to all on Steam, PS5 and Xbox Series until November 5. Enabled with a free BattlePass and cross-play and cross-progression between PC and consoles, the game was previously known as Project Discovery. Destructible arenas based on real-world locations are also central to the game's plot.