Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Neil Newbon, voice actor for games like Baldurs Gate 3, strongly criticizes the use of generative AI in the video game industry, arguing that its unjustifiable to take work away from actors due to minimal voice recording costs compared to overall production expenses.
- AI-generated voices are viewed as unengaging and diminishing the gaming experience by Neil Newbon and others, who believe that human performances significantly enhance many great games.
- The debate over AI in gaming has intensified following controversies surrounding its use in games like Arc Raiders and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, as well as the cancellation of Postal.
- Neil Newbon emphasizes that producers should allocate funds to bring back actors for post-launch voice additions, addressing any initial budget constraints, and highlights his stance on AI in gaming as part of a group called Pixel Pack.
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Voice Actor Neil Newbon Critiques AI Use in Video Games, Argues Against Replacing Actors
Neil Newbon, the voice actor for characters like Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, has strongly criticized the use of generative AI in the video game industry, stating, “the AI can go fuck itself.” Newbon’s comments come during a year of increased recognition for voice actors and a rise in independent game productions, even as major publishers explore AI implementation. The debate over AI has intensified following controversies surrounding its use in games like Arc Raiders and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, as well as the recently canceled game, Postal. Newbon remains firmly against replacing actors with AI. He argues that voice recording costs are minimal compared to overall game production expenses, making it unjustifiable to take work away from actors. He suggests that successful games should allocate funds to bring back actors for post-launch voice additions, addressing any initial budget constraints. “There is no justification for taking work away from people,” Newbon stated. While unable to comment on specifics like Arc Raiders’ text-to-speech technology, Newbon asserts that generative AI is inherently problematic, especially when producers manipulate an actor’s voice. He views this as effectively stealing an actor’s payment and livelihood, emphasizing that most actors are not wealthy.
AI in Gaming: Neil Newbon Highlights Value of Human Performance and Potential Drawbacks
Newbon acknowledges the financial challenges producers face but insists they are not an excuse to use AI, especially since success allows for revisiting and recording lines with actors. He also believes AI-generated voices are unengaging and diminish the gaming experience. In December 2025, Newbon discussed generative AI with Super Soluce, reiterating his stance. Separately, in early 2025, he joined other gaming industry figures to form a group called Pixel Pack. More recently, PCGN interviewed Newbon about the use of AI in games like Black Ops 7 and Arc Raiders. Newbon also drew a comparison between the use of AI in games and characters like Morrigan from Dragon Age: Origins, Cole Phelps and Rusty Galloway from L.A. Noire, and Astarion from Baldur’s Gate 3, reminding that many of the greatest games are enhanced by actor performances. He questions how those performances would land if producers opted for AI voices instead. Newbon’s perspective underscores the value of human performance in gaming and the potential drawbacks of relying on AI-generated content, a debate that will likely continue as the technology evolves.
In Case You Missed It
In the spirit of pushing boundaries in gaming discourse, we encourage you to start with Marcus Thompson’s recent piece, “It’s Absurd for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to be Game of the Year and Best Indie”, published on December 16, 2025. Despite its indie accolades, this critically acclaimed game finds itself at the center of a heated debate about what truly defines an independent title. Thompson masterfully explores this controversy, unpacking the facts behind Clair Obscur’s budget, team size, and awards sweep, so don’t miss out on this insightful read – check it out here It’s Absurd for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to be Game of the Year and Best Indie.
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