SAG-AFTRA has ‘flip-flopped’ on previous decisions and opted to partner with Replica Studios, approving AI voice actors in a scandalous, controversial decision. This shocking move has enraged voice actors around the world, and an inflammatory statement released by the actor’s union hasn’t helped to placate the situation. In a reveal of the new partnership, it was stressed that ‘digital replicas’ of voice actors could be created fairly and ethically, but it seems as though the actors themselves don’t want to cooperate.

On social media platforms, dozens of prolific voice actors have stated their concerns, claiming that they weren’t consulted about this decision. That revelation comes despite SAG-AFTRA claiming that the partnership with Replica Studios was ‘approved by affected members of the union’s voiceover performer community.’ In some cases, voice actors have exploded on social media, venting their anger and disappointment at this news, which has huge and unprecedented implications.

The Beginning of the End

In the official statement released by SAG-AFTRA to break this news, it was explained that the new agreement with Replica Studios will allow voice actors to ‘explore new employment opportunities’. It’s an ambiguous statement, and some have claimed that it was made as a nod to the suggestion that AI voice actors will put human voice actors out of work. As the technology driving voice replication becomes more enhanced over time, that’s the core implication at play.

In a statement, the CEO of Replica Studios, Shreyas Nivas, said:

‘Replica is proud to partner with SAG-AFTRA to introduce an ethical approach to the emerging use of generative AI. We are excited by the new opportunities this opens up for world-leading AAA studios who can now access the benefits of Replica’s AI voice technology while knowing that talent is recognized and compensated fairly for the use of their likeness. Our voice actor agreements ensure that game developers using our platform are only accessing licensed talent who have given permission for their voice to be used as a training data set, as opposed to the wild west of AI platforms using unethical data-scraping methods to replicate and synthesize voices without permission.’

Despite the positive wording, many voice actors in the global community are pouring their hearts out on social media, openly condemning the situation.

Voices of the Masses

One of the most experienced and talented voice actors in the business, Steve Blum (Mortal Kombat, Diablo, Star Wars, Starfield) slammed the news on Twitter:

Elsewhere, Elias Toufexis (Starfield, Deus Ex, Street Fighter) suggested neither he nor those close to him had consulted him on this decision:

Yong Yea (Call of Duty, Like a Dragon, Demon Slayer) echoed the sentiments of the wider community:

And Allegra Clark (Spider-Man, Apex Legends, Fallout 76) pointed out that the decision may have been made ahead of time:

What Comes Next?

This is a developing situation and it’s not yet known where it’ll lead. It could bring about another actor’s strike, or it could play out as SAG-AFTRA expects and it’ll become the norm. In the statements released by both Replica Studios and SAG-AFTRA, it’s being portrayed that this agreement and partnership is in favour of the actors themselves, but that’s not how the community feels.

It’s a tentative, treacherous situation, and there’s an awful sentiment hanging around it, that’s for sure.

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