Horizon series voice actress Ashly Burch has commented on the leaked AI-generated Aloy demonstration video, leveraging the incident to highlight key concerns raised by striking voice actors.
Last week, The Verge uncovered an internal Sony video showcasing AI technology featuring Horizon's protagonist Aloy. Sony has not responded to IGN's inquiries regarding the matter.
The since-removed footage showed Sony Interactive Entertainment engineering director Sharwin Raghoebardajal conversing with an AI-powered Aloy using voice prompts and computer-generated speech with facial animations. When asked how she was doing, the digital Aloy responded: "Hello, I'm managing alright. Just dealing with a sore throat. How have you been?"
The synthetic voice bore no resemblance to Burch's performance, instead utilizing generic text-to-speech audio. The AI character displayed unnatural facial movements and vacant eye expressions throughout the exchange.
The Best PlayStation Character Face-Off
Pick a winner
New duel
Burch—who has portrayed Aloy across all four Horizon titles (Zero Dawn, Forbidden West, Call of the Mountain, and Lego Horizon Adventures)—confirmed via TikTok that Guerrilla Games assured her the demo didn't reflect active development plans nor used her performance data. This suggests AI Aloy won't appear in the upcoming Horizon multiplayer title or Horizon 3, though Burch noted Sony retains full character ownership.
The actress described feeling "concerned about gaming performance as an art form," using the incident to discuss ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike demands regarding AI protections in the gaming industry.
SAG-AFTRA recently told members that while negotiations showed progress, significant disagreements remain with industry representatives on crucial AI safeguards.
"We're fighting for three core protections: consent before creating AI replicas, fair compensation, and transparency about how these digital doubles are used," Burch explained.
"My concern isn't the technology itself or developers' interest in it—that's inevitable. I fear scenarios where performers' likenesses get used without recourse if we lose this battle. Protecting future generations of actors ensures our industry continues delivering compelling performances."
Burch clarified she wasn't targeting specific studios: "The issue isn't technology adoption—it's the bargaining group refusing basic protections during our strike."
The actress highlighted interim union contracts available for immediate adoption: "Temporary agreements offering all requested safeguards exist right now. We absolutely deserve these protections."
@ashly.burch let us speak on AI aloy
♬ original sound - Ashly Burch
Generative AI remains controversial across gaming and entertainment, facing criticism over ethical concerns and quality issues. Keywords Studios' recent all-AI game experiment failed spectacularly, with executives admitting AI "couldn't replace human talent."
Nevertheless, companies continue implementing AI tools. Activision disclosed using generative AI for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 assets despite backlash over questionable AI-generated content.
The voice actor strike has already affected major titles, with Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft reportedly featuring silent NPCs in normally voiced scenes. Recent months saw Riot Games accused of strike avoidance tactics, while Activision recast Black Ops 6 roles following fan complaints.
Adding to the controversy, two Zenless Zone Zero performers recently discovered they'd been replaced by checking patch notes.
PlayStation executive Asad Qizilbash defended AI integration, arguing digital-native Gen Z and Alpha audiences demand personalized experiences: "AI-driven NPC interactions could create deeper immersion—exactly what younger players raised on digital customization expect."
