Ashly Burch, the talented voice and performance actor behind Horizon Zero Dawn's Aloy, has spoken out about her concerns regarding the potential replacement of human performers with AI technology in the gaming industry. This comes after a leaked Sony experiment surfaced, showcasing an AI-powered version of Aloy, which has sparked a heated debate about the future of game performance as an art form.

Burch, who has also had roles in other notable games such as The Last of Us Part II and Spider-Man, expressed her worries in a video statement, stating that she feels "worried about this art form" and not just about her own career. She emphasized that the concern lies in the possibility of AI replacing human performers without proper consent, compensation, or protections.

The leaked Sony experiment, which was reportedly an internal prototype and not an actively developed project, used AI technology to voice and perform Aloy, raising questions about the potential implications of such technology on the gaming industry. Burch clarified that Guerilla, the developer of Horizon Zero Dawn, had reached out to her to confirm that the demo did not use her voice or facial data and was not actively in development.

The timing of this controversy is particularly noteworthy, as video game actors, including Burch, are currently on strike against video game companies due to concerns about AI replacing human performers. The strike, led by SAG-AFTRA, is seeking protections for actors, including consent before creating an AI version of them, fair compensation, and transparency about the use of AI doubles.

Burch's concerns are not limited to her own career or the Horizon Zero Dawn franchise. She expressed a desire to see a new generation of actors thrive in the gaming industry and emphasized the importance of preserving the art form of game performance. Her statement serves as a rallying cry for actors and industry professionals who are fighting to protect their rights in the face of emerging AI technology.

The debate surrounding AI replacement in the gaming industry is far from over. As the technology continues to advance, it remains to be seen how game companies will choose to utilize it and how actors will respond to the changing landscape. One thing is certain, however: Ashly Burch's powerful statement has sparked a crucial conversation about the future of game performance and the importance of protecting the rights of human performers.