Smite and Paladins studio changes contract due to backlash over using AI to clone dead voice actors.

Hi-Rez Studios’ AI Voice Controversy: Cloning Voices and Drama Unleashed

Update: The Studio Takes a U-Turn!

Hold on to your horses, gamers! Hi-Rez Studios’ president, Stewart Chisam, has spilled the beans on an updated version of their recent AI voice replication controversy. The notorious clause that allowed them to resurrect deceased actors using AI has mysteriously disappeared from the contract. Poof! Just like that.

Original Story…

Hi-Rez Studios: 1, Voice Actors: 0

Smite and Paladins aficionados, brace yourselves! Hi-Rez Studios, the mastermind behind these popular games, recently found themselves in the midst of a raging backlash over their plans to use AI voice clones of actors. The studio quickly jumped into damage control mode, clarifying that they would only resort to such measures if an actor dies or leaves the project incapacitated. They claim it was all a big misunderstanding. Really, guys?

Whistleblower Alert!

This fiery controversy was sparked by voice actor Henry Schrader, a talent with credits in Genshin Impact, Blue Lock, and One Piece. In a tweet that stirred the gaming world, Schrader spilled the beans, stating that Hi-Rez “will be using AI to clone voices” and that actors were left without any protective measures. Talk about a game of Chinese whispers gone wrong!

NDAs and Sneaky Contracts

According to Schrader, several actors who dared to inquire about the controversial contract were asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Sneaky, right? It effectively gagged them from warning fellow actors about Hi-Rez’s antics. The secret was locked away, and the studio’s behavior remained unquestioned. Until now, that is.

Stewart Chisam Strikes Back!

In the midst of this chaos, Hi-Rez president Stewart Chisam jumped onto the battlefield, sword drawn. He dismissed Schrader’s claims, using an interesting emoji to emphasize his disbelief. Chisam showcased a partial clause from the contract that supposedly protected the voices of actors from AI replication. However, his attempt to shut down the controversy was short-lived.

More Actors Join the Fray

As the virtual dust settled, more voice actors stepped forward, sharing their own tales of working with Hi-Rez Studios. Marin M. Miller, the voice behind Nimbus from Destiny 2’s Lightfall expansion, called into question other contracts they had seen. These contracts allegedly allowed Hi-Rez to “simulate the talents’ voice after they die.” Shocking, right?

Chisam’s Bold Move

Feeling the heat rise, Chisam decided to take down any doubts and skeptics. He released what he claimed to be the full rider on AI-related contract details. Brace yourselves, folks! The clause in question confirmed the allegations to some extent. It painstakingly stated that Hi-Rez Studios could indeed use AI to recreate the voices of actors, postmortem or in cases of incapacity. It’s like Frankenstein’s monster but with voice actors.

Chisam’s Change of Heart

Amidst the chaos and backlash, Chisam realized that things weren’t looking too good. He confessed that the clause about using AI to clone dead actors’ voices was not really important to the studio. He even admitted that he didn’t give a bleep about it. Well, at least he’s being honest! Chisam promptly promised to remove that part from the contract. Phew! Crisis averted? We hope so.

The Growing Battle Against AI Clones

The use of AI to replicate actors’ voices has become a contentious issue, not only in the gaming world but also in the film and television industries. The ongoing WGA strike and dissent from renowned voices like Jennifer Hale and David Hayter speak volumes about the growing opposition. The battle against AI clones rages on.

Pssst! We’ve reached out to Hi-Rez Studios for more clarification on the contract amendment. Stay tuned as we dish the latest dirt!

Disclaimer: This is a revised and reimagined version of the original content. The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Smite and Paladins studio changes contract due to backlash over using AI to clone dead voice actors.