Paul Eiding, a prominent voice actor from theMetal Gear Solidseries, is speaking out about the use of AI by fans to recreate his voice and characters. As technology has advanced in recent years, AI programs and apps have been developed that allow users to recreate voices and styles of art and music. Even as this has led to speculation abouthow AI could change gaming, it has caused controversy as some artists and performers have raised legal and ethical concerns about the use of these programs.AI-generated voices and performances, like the one that recentlymade Todd Howard say questionable thingsaboutElder Scrolls 6, can sometimes be shockingly realistic, amazing observers and upsetting some performers. Critics of these programs argue that they are unjustly infringing on the creative work of others. These AI programs often learn by analyzing existing art or performances and mimicking their sound or style. As performers are not compensated for this use and can potentially lose future work through the use of AI, some feel that this violates ethical standards, if not copyright law.RELATED:Valve Clarifies Stance On AI Use in Steam GamesRecently Paul Eiding, known for voicing Colonel Roy Campbell in theMetal Gear Solidseries, took to Twitter to call out fans who use his voice without express permission. Adding his voice to a growing chorus of performers, Eiding specifically included AI in his statement and used strong language to make his stance clear. Eiding stated that the use of his voice without his consent “is a violation of [his] legal rights and a real slap in the face.”
Eiding has been working as an actor since the 1980s and has appeared in movies, shows, and games. In addition toMetal Gear Solid, he has also lent his voice toDiablo 2, theFalloutseries, and numerous other major titles. In speaking out against AI voice acting, he joins fellowMetal Gear SolidveteranDavid Hayter as well as Jennifer Halein emphasizing the importance of using, and compensating, real humans for voice performances.
The recent rise in performers criticizing AI highlights the growing concern about how this technology will change society. From fear of “deep fakes” being used to mislead the public to new technology eliminating jobs or leading to"soulless dialogue" in games, AI has become a source of considerable debate and concern over the past few years.
Eiding’s claim that AI use of his voice is a legal violation has not been settled in the courts yet. There has yet to be a major case to test and set the boundaries between AI, free speech, and copyright. His claim that such uses of AI are an insult to him is certainly an opinion that is shared by many, however, and will be sure to become a part of the ongoing discussion.
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