CD Projekt Red Utilizes AI Technology to Bring Deceased Actor’s Voice to Life in Cyberpunk 2077 Expansion
CD Projekt Red, the renowned developer of the popular video game Cyberpunk 2077, has pushed the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI) by employing the technology to recreate the voice of a late cast member. The studio revealed that they harnessed AI to replicate the voice of Miłogost Reczek, the talented Polish voice actor who unfortunately passed away in 2021. Reczek had lent his voice to the character Viktor Vektor in the original game and will now be featured in the upcoming expansion, Phantom Liberty.
To ensure full transparency and respect for the actor’s memory, CD Projekt Red obtained consent from Reczek’s family before proceeding with the AI-generated voice creation. The studio initially contemplated replacing Reczek’s voice with a new actor, but ultimately decided to pay homage to his exceptional performance.
In order to achieve this feat, CD Projekt Red collaborated with Respeecher, an innovative voice-cloning technology developed in Ukraine. Respeecher came into play after CD Projekt Red had hired a new voice actor to record Viktor Vektor’s lines for the Phantom Liberty expansion. By leveraging Respeecher’s cutting-edge technology, CD Projekt Red succeeded in preserving Reczek’s indelible performance and ensuring his presence in the game.
Mikołaj Szwed, CD Projekt Red’s localization director, expressed the studio’s motivation behind this decision, stating, This way, we could keep his performance in the game and pay tribute to his wonderful portrayal as Viktor Vektor.
The inclusion of AI-generated voices in video games illustrates the growing utilization of AI in the entertainment industry. While generative AI has been extensively embraced by internet-facing giants such as OpenAI, Google, and Meta, its full potential within the realm of gaming has merely scratched the surface. CD Projekt Red’s groundbreaking use of AI for creating a deceased actor’s voice sets an intriguing precedent for the future of AI integration in the gaming landscape.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the application of AI in creating virtual experiences is expected to advance further. The successful implementation of AI to replicate a voice actor’s performance highlights the potential for preserving the contributions of talented individuals even after their passing. CD Projekt Red’s innovative approach not only upholds the artistic integrity of their game but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to Miłogost Reczek’s remarkable talent.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion, CD Projekt Red’s pioneering use of AI technology to bring a deceased actor’s voice to life is a testament to the ever-expanding horizons of the gaming industry.
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