Ashly Burch Addresses Leaked AI Aloy Video from ‘Horizon’ Series

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The realm of acting in video games is undergoing significant transformations, and not everyone is content with these developments. Most recently, Ashly Burch, the voice behind Aloy from the ‘Horizon’ series, voiced her opinions following the emergence of a video showcasing an AI-generated version of her character. This technology demonstration has ignited much discussion, and Burch isn’t shy about expressing her feelings on the matter.

She explicitly stated that the AI-driven character Aloy in the ‘Horizon’ series wasn’t based on any of her original work. The creators at Guerrilla Games themselves confirmed this to ease her concerns, but she remains apprehensive. It’s not about her involvement or the ‘Horizon’ team in particular; rather, she’s contemplating the potential implications of such technology for acting in video games as a whole.

Since the debut of ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ in 2017, Burch has been a vital component of the ‘Horizon’ series. She breathed life into Aloy once more in ‘Horizon Forbidden West’, and also lent her voice to a lively, entertaining portrayal of the character in ‘LEGO Horizon Adventures’. Her talent has garnered much acclaim, and she is well-known within the gaming industry, having worked on titles like ‘Borderlands’ and television series such as ‘Mythic Quest’, which airs on Apple TV.

What’s troubling her is the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the craftsmanship of game acting. As a member of SAG-AFTRA, the union advocating for actor’s rights, she’s actively involved in efforts to safeguard video game performers. This union has been on strike since last summer, striving to establish fair guidelines regarding AI usage. They aim to ensure that actors have a voice and receive equitable compensation if their vocal or physical expressions are replicated by such technology.

Ashly Burch, the voice actress behind Aloy in the Horizon series, addresses a leaked video showing an AI-controlled version of her character.

* The demo didn’t utilize any of her recorded performances.
* She expresses concern about future game performances, given advancements like this technology.
* SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) is currently dealing with these issues in the gaming industry.

— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) March 14, 2025

The demo that was leaked originated from Sony, showcasing their cutting-edge technology developments. Although this isn’t likely to appear in a game immediately, it offers a glimpse into potential future advancements. For instance, imagine having real-time conversations with Aloy, driven by AI rather than human voiceovers. While intriguing for many, this concept raises concerns for Burch regarding preserving the human element in gaming.

AI technology has been increasingly appearing, contributing significantly to areas such as animations and even voiceovers in various projects nowadays. Yet, for actors like Burch, the concern is palpable – might this technology eventually displace them? SAG-AFTRA is tirelessly striving to prevent such an outcome without a clearly defined set of agreements in place.

Burch isn’t just expressing her personal concerns; she’s also advocating for everyone in her profession, fearful that the essence of their shared craft could be compromised. As we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in ‘Horizon’ series, her views hold significant influence. For the moment, she’s united with her colleagues, resisting a future where artificial intelligence may take control.

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2025-03-15 10:14