The recent introduction of an AI-powered Darth Vader in Fortnite, using James Earl Jones’ iconic voice, has sparked both amusement and concern within the gaming community. While the feature was well-received, it has also highlighted the potential risks associated with the use of AI in video games. Major publishers such as Electronic Arts (EA) and Take-Two Interactive have expressed concerns about the legal and reputational implications of incorporating AI-generated content into their games.
The primary concerns surrounding AI in gaming are twofold. Firstly, the legality of using AI-generated assets is still uncertain. Tech giants like Google, Meta, and OpenAI have been training their AI models on vast amounts of internet data, including copyrighted material, without clear permission. This has led to numerous lawsuits from content creators, including the New York Times, musicians, and actors. As a result, game developers risk potential legal repercussions if they incorporate AI-generated content into their games, only to have subsequent rulings deem such practices illegal.
Secondly, there’s the issue of reputational harm. Gamers have shown a strong aversion to AI-generated content, often branding it as ‘slop’ and expressing willingness to boycott games that utilize it. The backlash against AI-generated art and voice work is so significant that it’s now being factored into financial reports by major game publishers. The gaming community’s resistance to AI-generated content is reminiscent of their previous rejection of web3 and NFT technologies.
The use of AI in voice acting, as seen in the Fortnite example, also raises concerns for voice actors. The ongoing strike in the video game voice acting community is partly centered around the licensing of voices for AI use, highlighting the complex issues surrounding AI adoption in the industry.
While AI may have potential technical applications in game development, its use in creating art or voice work is a different matter. For now, it seems that gamers are maintaining a strong stance against the incorporation of AI-generated content in their games, and major publishers are taking notice.
