A new patent launched by Electronic Arts (EA) on Oct. 17 suggests that the era of silent protagonists in video games may be coming to an end. EA wants to give players the freedom to voice characters in its games, potentially revolutionizing the gaming experience.
The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been both exciting and controversial. While AI offers endless possibilities once confined to science fiction, it also presents numerous challenges that we have already encountered. Issues such as software using art without consent and technology that could replace voice artists have faced significant backlash in recent times.
EA’s new patent could have implications for franchises like Dragon Age, where players have various text options to respond with during conversations. The patent describes a method for transforming a player’s voice into a speech pattern that can be used in games.
While new industry regulations are expected to emerge in the next decade, protecting the rights of voice actors, this groundbreaking technology could still impact their roles. Games like Mass Effect, where the player character is fully performed, may opt for this technology to save costs. This raises concerns about potential job losses for voice actors in the future.
Without knowing EA’s full intentions, the situation remains uncertain. While the idea of players voicing their characters may seem cool, it could harm the professional voice acting community who are fighting for their right not to be impersonated.
Source: DOTESPORTS
