By Callum 
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the way we humans live, work, and express ourselves both individually and creatively. AI is simply everywhere, and its influence is perhaps most evident in the gaming industry. From richer interactions with non-playable characters to personalized marketing campaigns, AI is fundamentally altering how developers engage with their creations and targeted audiences. Yet, this technological shift is causing friction among gaming professionals, with many actors raising their concerns over the prevalence of AI-generated voice acting.
The inevitable rise of AI in gaming development
A digital native, the gaming industry has long been at the vanguard of technological revolutions. In fact, artificial intelligence has been woven into the gaming world since video games first became accessible to a wide audience. During the 1980s, arcade games such as Pac-Man and Karate Champ largely popularized the concept of AI opponents. Fast-forward to 2025, and game development has come a long way from the clunky movement patterns of old.
According to a recent Google study, nearly 90% of all developers surveyed are using AI agents to automate tasks. Many say the technology has boosted their output and improved efficiency, freeing up time for more creative ventures. The use of AI art tools, for instance, has shortened the asset-creation process in half while keeping artists in control of the final revisions. For industry leaders like Ubisoft’s CEO, generative AI may be as great a revolution as the shift from 2D to 3D. Yet despite gaming giants maintaining that AI will enhance human creativity rather than supplant it, not all members of the industry share this optimistic outlook.
A bone of contention for professional actors
The AI boom has been fueling fears of job displacement across several sectors, and the acting industry makes no exception. As gaming studios test tools that can clone or modify voices, many actors are finding out how easy it is to steal their voice.
Speaking with The Guardian, American actress Cissy Jones recalls how many websites ignored her pleas to take down content of her voice that had been uploaded without her consent, and with no compensation in sight. Instead of fighting the inevitable, the BAFTA award-winning voice artist chose to make the technology more ethical for her peers by co-founding Morpheme, a startup seeking to leverage AI to transform the use of vocal performances in video games.
Many more actors are fighting back, including thousands of members of the US SAG-Aftra union who recently ended an 11-month-long strike after successfully negotiating an AI deal. They secured much-needed consent and safety measures for motion capture actors, whose work was being previously classified as “data”. Game performers also haggled the obligations to reveal when AI digital replicas are being used.
A human touch not easily duplicated
Discussing AI use in gaming development, CEO of Nintendo of America Doug Bowser pledged there would always be human involvement in the way the company designed its games. And that human touch has built the foundation of some of the most widely acclaimed games of these past years.
Denying Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom of a GOTY award in 2023, Baldur’s Gate III is a clear example of how AI and human actors can work together to bring highly-realistic animations to life. The RPG developed by Larian Studios captured the physical performances of all 248 actors lending their voices to its characters. Motion capture is also at the heart of the resounding success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which bagged seven accolades at the latest Golden Joystick Awards. Reacting to his nomination at the upcoming Game Awards, British star Charlie Cox insisted his credit be shared with mo-cap actor Maxence Cazorla.
The need for a human element extends to other sections of the gaming industry, with iGaming operators capitalizing on live dealer casinos to connect with online players. Boasting a broad range of gaming options, real money casinos also cater to slots enthusiasts. Top-rated websites offer a variety of slot machines such as 3D slots and progressive jackpots. Upon signing up, players can claim bonuses like cashback deals and free spins. Besides, industry experts help them get started safely with free tips and advice.
AI has become unavoidable in gaming, but gamers still cherish the human touch that gives their beloved games such personality and soul. In the words of award-winning voice actress Jennifer English, AI as a tool shouldn’t replace the beautiful flaws and mistakes that make games human.