Hi-Rez Studios Seemingly Wanted To Clone Dead Voice Actors With AI

Hi-Rez Studios, the people behind games like Paladins and Smite have apparently stated that they intend to make use of AI voice-cloning to preserve actor performances for their games characters.

It’s a problematic topic, especially in light of the current SAG-AFTRA strike that is targeting the rights of performers – and the situation regarding how Hi-Rez intends to roll out such an agreement is incredibly obfuscated and just a tad gross.

So, to anyone who doesn't know, Hi-Rez Studios, the people behind Paladins and Smite, have stated that they will be using AI to clone voices and refused to add in any words to contracts that would protect actors from it. More info in the thread. Please share to other VAs. (1/?)

— Henry Schrader (@HenrySchraderVO) August 17, 2023

Via the X/Twitter feed of Henry Schrader (A voice actor with numerous credits, including Genshin Impact roles), we get some insight into the troubling rollout of such an agreement.

This includes a really wobbly path for existing talent to get some insight into the changes, with Hi-Rez demanding an NDA be signed before sighting the newer contracts – essentially meaning any performer who gets their eyes on the new agreement would be unable to share details of it to other voice actors.

When some VAs that I know asked about whether or not they could see the contract or confirm whether something could be added to protect them from having their voices used for AI, they were told they can’t even see the contract until they sign the NDA.

 

This means that VAs who sign that NDA can’t even warn people who might be new or might not know better against working for them.

Of course people are questioning the specifics of this synthesized/”Digital Double” simulation, and Henry has a very pertinent section of paperwork that essentially shows that the idea is that they could make use of an AI voice in the event of “Talent’s death or incapacity that leaves Talent unable to perform” – with the caveat being the written consent from the Talent or Talent’s estate – with consent to not be unreasonably withheld, or delayed.

This has gotten a bit crazy, but since I have people telling me to provide proof, how about the words of the CEO himself? “incapacity that leaves talent unable to perform at any forseeable time” is very open ended. If it were just the rights for after death, that would be one pic.twitter.com/IVeBVZFvs2

— Henry Schrader (@HenrySchraderVO) August 17, 2023

Furthering the conversation, Hi-Rez CEO Stewart Chisam shared a portion of the studio’s contract clause pointing out that they had actually agreed not to use performers voices or likenesses for AI replication.

…The only problem was that it seemed to crop out the entire section where they mention that they could maybe do it once the actor kicked the bucket.

You forgot the rest of it, but don’t worry, I got you! pic.twitter.com/E9iG0EXCLR

— Sean Chiplock 🔜 2D Con (Minneapolis, Minnesota) (@VAsonicmega) August 17, 2023

So of course, that prompted more confusion.

There has since been a new rider displayed from Hi-Rez, that seems a little more clear cut – but not without Mr. Chisam still sharing that he thinks the “Death Clause” was reasonable in his opinion.

Here is updated rider. pic.twitter.com/OCPRFttJrD

— Stewart Chisam (@schisam) August 17, 2023

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I am at least happy to see such topics get real attention and discussion before anything truly awful happens. I am far from a professional voice actor, but it is an industry that fills me with awe and respect. I appreciate the scrutiny of workplace agreements like these, particularly when it prompts a more official response from the source.

Let’s hope that this can serve as an example of concern in relation to such technologies – making sure they are not used flippantly or without consultation of the parties effected.

What do you think of AI voice cloning? Let us know in the comments or on social media.