Cyberpunk 2077 Used AI to Replace a Deceased Voice Actor

Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Pink used AI to copy a voice actor in its Phantom Liberty growth.

Per Bloomberg, Cyberpunk 2077’s Miłogost Reczek handed away in 2021. The actor had beforehand performed V’s buddy Viktor Vektor within the base recreation, however CD Projekt Pink deliberate to carry again the character for Phantom Liberty in a small function. At first, the group debated recasting Viktor and recording the strains from the principle recreation to keep up continuity. Nonetheless, the builders agreed it might be disrespectful to Reczek.

How CDPR used AI for Cyberpunk 2077

“We didn’t like this strategy,” mentioned CD Projekt localization director Mikołaj Szwed. He defined that Reczek “was top-of-the-line Polish voice abilities,” calling his efficiency “stellar.” In the end, they acquired permission from Reczek’s sons to make use of AI in order that they “might maintain his efficiency within the recreation and pay tribute to his fantastic efficiency as Viktor Vektor.” In the end, the developer contacted Reczek’s household and acquired permission to make use of AI for the growth. In accordance with Szwed, Reczek’s sons absolutely supported the concept.

CD Projekt Pink used Respeecher to create the AI efficiency. On this method, the group had one other actor file the strains. Then, they ran the efficiency by this system and made it sound just like the actor. Respeecher did this by the usage of Reczek’s previous work as samples.

The usage of AI to recreate Reczek’s efficiency comes at a time when SAG-AFTRA is placing partly towards such makes use of of the know-how. In recent times, AI has threatened actors and writers, with some firms exhibiting a shift towards utilizing it as a money and time saver. The Writers Guild of America simply completed negotiations with Hollywood to forestall AI substitute in writing.

Cyberpunk 2077 is on the market on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The growth, Phantom Liberty, is simply out there on the PS5.