Horizon Forbidden West actress Ashly Burch responds to Sony's controversial AI Aloy

Ashly Burch critiques Sony's AI Aloy tech for lacking consent.

: Ashly Burch, voice of Aloy in Horizon Forbidden West, expresses unease over leaked footage of AI Aloy, emphasizing the need for actor consent in AI tech. Burch states Sony didn't use her data in this tech demo and highlights the lack of protection for actors. This instance adds to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes, focusing on the ethical implications of AI in creative industries. Burch advocates for actor rights to ensure fair compensation and consent in using AI versions.

Ashly Burch, known for voicing Aloy in Horizon Forbidden West, recently addressed concerns over leaked footage showcasing Sony's use of AI technology. This footage involved a Sony employee interacting with an AI version of Aloy who spoke about dealing with a sore throat and referenced Horizon lore. Interestingly, Guerrilla Games clarified to Burch that this demo was not part of any active development, and Sony had not utilized Burch's own voice or facial data for this AI model.

Burch expressed her discomfort with this situation in a statement shared on her social media accounts, voicing worry not specifically for Guerrilla or her career but for the art of game performance itself. She highlighted the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes, stressing that AI technology in games necessitates strict protections. This includes needing actor consent before creating AI equivalents, proper compensation, and transparency in how these AI versions are used. Burch points out that while technology advancement is understandable, the ethical boundaries must be respected to protect creative individuals engaged in storytelling.

Burch clearly articulated her stance, not against technology's existence or its adoption by game companies but against the current lack of common-sense protections during these technological evolutions. What particularly haunts her is the scenario where, if these rights are not fought for and secured, it could lead to creatives having their likeness used without recourse or control. She finds the potential loss of agency in their art particularly distressing.

She further shared her passion for the entertainment industry, hoping for a future filled with diverse and spectacular game performances. However, she remains concerned that without winning these rights, the survival and richness of game performance are at risk. Burch vocalizes that the problem does not lie in using technology but in the refusal of the bargaining groups to afford basic artistic protection that the industry's future relies on.

Ultimately, Burch reiterated her support for the ongoing strike and the necessary fight to protect the career paths and creative integrity of actors worldwide. She wants to ensure fair practice in ethical AI use, shaping a future where technology and artistry coexist with mutual respect and benefit.

Sources: Eurogamer, Victoria Kennedy, SAG-AFTRA, Ashly Burch

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