Speechless, the Stockholm-based company behind the titular voice actor database and asset management system, is giving actors more control over the use of their AI counterparts on its platform.
Speechless contains a library of AI-generated text-to-speech voices based on real actors. And under the newly announced Hybrid AI license (which is available starting today), those actors can earn a commission whenever a studio uses their AI clone in a game. In addition to TTS, the license also gives developers access to other voice-over options like traditional voice recording and speech-to-speech.
The company says that teams can save some time by using AI voices to refine scripts and dialogue before bringing in the real-life actors for a recording session. There are over 500 actors on Speechless, and they can be contacted directly through the platform.
“We can’t ignore the potential AI has for the games industry, but we need to approach this technology ethically – that’s what we aim to achieve when it comes to voice acting. By offering a hybrid license, developers can streamline their processes and experiment with different voice actors at a lower cost,” said Speechless CEO Peo Drangert in a statement.
“At the same time, voice actors are compensated for their work and the work of their AI-generated voice, have greater opportunities to collaborate with studios, and can work more flexibly. AI will continue to grow in the games sector, so we must use it responsibly to ensure a fairer industry.”
The Hybrid license appears to address at least some of the concerns over the use of AI in video game voice acting. Compensation for clones and other AI-related issues have been a big sticking point in the ongoing contract negotiations between union actors in SAG-AFTRA and the major gaming companies. Last year, SAG-AFTRA and WGA successfully fought for AI protections in Hollywood after months-long strikes.