A recent report reveals that Netflix Games saw major growth throughout the 2023 fiscal year, bolstered by the high-profile launch of the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy on the streaming service. The popular streaming platform has heavily pushed its gaming side since first launching Netflix Games in 2021, adding high-profile franchises like Dead Cells and Tomb Raider to the service. Last month would see one of the platform's biggest launches yet, with the GTA Trilogy coming to Netflix on mobile devices. Now, Netflix is reporting massive success from the game's launch.
GTA 5 Michael actor blasts unofficial AI chatbot that used "lame computer estimation" of his voice
15.01.2024 - 13:49 / eurogamer.net / Michael De-Santa / Takashi Kiryu / Troy Baker / Roger Clark / Rockstar Games / Ned Luke / David Hayter / Jennifer Hale / Ai
Ned Luke, the voice actor behind Michael De Santa in Grand Theft Auto 5, has called out a company for using his voice as the basis of an unofficial AI chatbot.
The actor reshared a post from AI company WAME, which offered GTA fans the chance to have a «realistic voice conversation» with Michael. «This is fucking bullshit,» Luke wrote in response, tagging WAME.
«Absolutely nothing cool about ripping people off with some lame computer estimation of my voice. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME ON THIS GARBAGE...»
The actor then riffed off GTA's own star-based warning system, before tagging developer Rockstar, fellow VA Roger Clark and actors' union SAG-AFTRA.
The initial post and any others pertaining to this GTA-based AI chatbot from WAME have now been removed from the company's social media feed. However, the exchange was captured by PCGamesN, as you can see below.
In a statement shared with Eurogamer, WAME addressed its use of Luke's voice. «In light of the recent controversy surrounding the utilisation of Mr. Ned Luke's voice in our application, we at WAME wish to express our profound understanding and concern,» it wrote. «This incident has highlighted the intricate interplay between the advancement of AI technology and the ethical and legal realms.»
WAME stated while its AI voice was based on Luke's voice, it was «independently synthesised and fine-tuned, resulting in a unique creation entirely by AI». It was not made for «commercial exploitation», WAME claimed.
«We staunchly advocate for creative freedom and agree that the rights of those who inspire creative works must be equally respected. We extend our deepest apologies to Mr. Luke for any distress caused and take this as a crucial learning opportunity to strive for a balance between creators' rights and ethical AI usage.»
WAME has now removed the chatbot, calling this incident a «pivotal moment in harmonising AI technology with relevant legal statutes.»
Eurogamer has asked Rockstar for further comment.
AI is a hot topic in the gaming industry right now, with several company's flirting with the technology. This includes Square Enix, with its CEO Takashi Kiryu saying it will be «aggressive in applying AI» in his annual new year letter.
Multiple members of the gaming industry remain sceptical about AI, however. Voice actors such as Troy Baker, Jane Perry, David Hayter, Jennifer Hale and Paul Eiding have all expressed their concerns about the technology.
More recently, a number of actors have voiced concerns after SAG-AFTRA introduced a «groundbreaking» AI voice agreement to allow artists to «safely explore» opportunities for their digital voice replicas.
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