CD Projekt RED, the developers of Cyberpunk 2077, have utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to replace a voice actor who passed away in their latest DLC, Phantom Liberty. The Polish voice actor, Miłogost Reczek, sadly died in 2021, but his character, Viktor Vektor, received new dialogue lines in the DLC.
In collaboration with Reczek’s family, CD Projekt RED made the decision to use AI to recreate his voice, rather than replacing him with a new actor. They recognized Reczek as one of Poland’s most talented voice actors and wanted to honor his stellar performance in the base game of Cyberpunk 2077. By using an AI tool called Respeecher, they were able to capture Reczek’s performance and seamlessly integrate it with the voice of another actor.
The implementation of AI in this manner is not unprecedented in the entertainment industry. It has been used before, notably in scenes featuring the late Carrie Fisher in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. However, it has faced criticism and controversy.
Fortunately, Reczek’s family fully supported the use of AI to continue his legacy in Cyberpunk 2077. The result is that players may not even notice the AI’s involvement, as the character’s voice remains authentic and consistent with the original game.
This use of AI raises questions about its future prevalence in gaming. While it has its critics, the technology offers a way to preserve the performances of beloved actors who have passed away. Only time will tell how common this practice becomes in the industry.
Overall, CD Projekt RED’s decision to utilize AI to replace Miłogost Reczek’s voice in Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty DLC demonstrates their commitment to honoring the actor’s talent and ensuring a seamless gaming experience for players.
Source: DOTESPORTS
