Polish video game developer CD Projekt SA has replaced the voice of the late Miłogost Reczek with an AI algorithm for the Polish version of "Phantom Liberty," the latest expansion to its blockbuster game "Cyberpunk 2077."
The company considered replacing Reczek with another actor, but decided to keep his performance as a tribute to his talent, it said. The process of voice cloning is controversial because, in addition to potential ethical issues, it raises questions about the job market for voice actors and the value of human labor in the age of generative AI, similar to artists and copywriters. In this case, however, CD Projekt simply hired another voice actor, had him perform, and then used Respeecher to modulate his voice to sound like the late Miłogost Reczek. The company says it consulted with Reczek's family beforehand.