Amazon Games recently faced backlash over comments made by CEO Christoph Hartmann regarding the role of AI in game development, particularly in relation to voice acting. Hartmann suggested that generative AI could help streamline game creation but also asserted that it would not replace human creativity. Following harsh criticism, Amazon clarified that it views voice actors as essential contributors and regrets any confusion stemming from Hartmann's remarks. This discussion highlights ongoing tensions in the industry as the SAG-AFTRA union seeks stronger AI protections for voice actors amid a climate of uncertainty regarding the future of human roles in gaming.

What did Amazon Games CEO say about AI and voice actors?

Christoph Hartmann indicated that AI could streamline processes in game development but later emphasized that it would not replace the creativity and uniqueness that human actors bring to games. Amazon Games clarified their position, stating that voice actors are considered essential contributors to the gaming experience.

New World, released by Amazon Games in 2021, is a massively multiplayer online game that features voice acting as a crucial element of its narrative experience. The game is set in the supernatural world of Aeternum, where players can explore, gather, and engage in combat. As Amazon Games continues to explore new projects, including partnerships for titles like Tomb Raider, the company faces the challenge of balancing innovation with the preservation of human roles in gameplay narratives.