Electronic Arts admits to using AI voices in NHL 27: 'This process allows us to bring more variety to the game'
EA says the AI voices were developed with "full consent and active collaboration" from in-game announcers John Buccigross and Darren Pang.
Electronic Arts has admitted to utilizing AI voice technology in the upcoming NHL 27, stating that this will introduce more variety to the game and enable faster reaction to changes and feedback. This information was first reported by ESPN sportscaster John Buccigross on the Chirping Zebras Podcast. Buccigross mentioned that the AI-generated voices sounded impressive and would save time and effort without compromising quality.
EA confirmed the use of AI in a blog post, stating that they are working in partnership with Buccigross and Darren Pang. They are leveraging AI voice technology to augment the 50+ recording sessions that Buccigross and Pang have already completed. The primary goal is to bring more variety to the game, react more swiftly to league changes, and incorporate player feedback more rapidly.
The company plans to address issues such as player-name pronunciations and repetitive lines in the first update. Future updates will further expand player and city-name coverage. EA has been open about their pro-AI stance, with Laura Miele, EA's president of enterprise development, emphasizing the company's embrace of AI to foster creativity.
This announcement reflects EA's commitment to incorporating generative AI in their games, particularly with the upcoming NHL 27. As the series has not been released on PC since NHL 2009, this development is significant for the broader implications of AI's role in the gaming industry.
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