Voice Actor Ned Luke Criticizes AI for Mimicking His GTA 5 Character Voice

The use of artificial intelligence in recreating the voice of popular fictional characters has sparked controversy, particularly among the original voice actors. A recent example includes Ned Luke, known for his role as Michael De Santa in the hit game Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5), who vehemently opposed an AI chatbot that imitated his voice without his consent.

Confronting Unauthorised Voice Replication

Ned Luke came across a chatbot that claimed to offer a realistic conversation with his character from GTA 5. The issue came to light when a now-deleted post on a platform previously known as Twitter, advertised the chatbot's capabilities. Luke did not hold back and promptly labeled the voice replication software as fraudulent, expressing his disdain for such deceptive practices.

Support from Fellow Voice Actors

The situation gained attention from other voice actors in the gaming industry, including Roger Clark, who voiced Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2. Clark supported Luke by asserting that artificial voices could never truly replace the original artist's talent and presence.

Legal Implications and AI Ethics

The backlash has not only sparked a debate among fans and industry insiders but also prompted a response from WAME, the company associated with the AI chatbot. Acknowledging the controversy, WAME released a statement recognizing the delicate balance between AI advancement and ethical as well as legal considerations. They committed to upholding the rights of creators and ensuring ethical AI development.

While the situation continues to develop, it has brought to light the need for a stronger stance to protect voice actors' rights and intellectual property in the age of rapidly evolving AI technology.

AI, controversy, ethics