Baldur's Gate 3 Actor Neil Newbon Criticizes AI in Gaming: "It's Shit"

Neil Newbon's Stance on AI in Gaming

Neil Newbon, the award-winning voice actor behind Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3, has voiced strong criticism against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in voice acting and game development. In a recent episode of the Radio Times Gaming podcast, Newbon expressed his lack of interest in AI-generated content, stating, "You know, I spoke to a lot of devs, I know a lot of devs, and they don't want to use AI because it's shit" 1

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AI's Limitations in Creative Process

Newbon's primary concern with AI-generated content is its inability to capture the spontaneity and unpredictability that human actors bring to their performances. He argues that even if AI-generated content becomes indistinguishable from human-created content, it would still lack the "happy accidents" that often lead to iconic moments in film, TV, and games 2

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The Human Element in Performance

To illustrate his point, Newbon cited a famous example from cinema history:

"You know, Dustin Hoffman banging [on] the car, [saying], 'I'm walkin' here!' -- because he almost got run over, but stayed in character -- is iconic, and it was a complete accident!" 1

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This example underscores Newbon's belief that many memorable moments in entertainment are the result of unplanned, human interactions that AI cannot replicate.

AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

While critical of AI's current capabilities and its potential to replace human actors, Newbon acknowledges that AI has its place in the industry. He states, "AI is a tool. It should be used as a tool, not as a replacement for art" 3

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. This perspective aligns with the ongoing debate in the gaming industry about the appropriate role of AI in creative processes.

Industry Perspectives on AI

Newbon's comments come at a time when the gaming industry is grappling with the implications of AI technology. While some industry leaders, such as Valve co-founder Gabe Newell, view AI as a potential "cheat code" for businesses, others share Newbon's skepticism 3

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Recent Developments in AI and Voice Acting

The discussion around AI in voice acting has gained particular relevance following recent events in the industry. SAG-AFTRA, the union representing voice actors, recently secured protections for its members against unauthorized AI replication of their voices. The new agreement requires explicit consent from voice actors before creating digital replicas of their voices and allows performers to opt out of projects or have their voices removed from AI platforms 1

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Conclusion

Neil Newbon's outspoken criticism of AI in gaming and voice acting highlights the ongoing debate about the role of technology in creative industries. While AI continues to advance, the value of human creativity, spontaneity, and the "happy accidents" that occur during the creative process remains a crucial consideration for many in the entertainment world.