A row has broken out amongst the potential future use of AI in Apex Legends.
It has emerged that the voice actors behind the French version of Apex Legends voicelines are refusing to sign a new contract over being "forced to endorse AI."
Pascale Chemin, who is the voice actor for Wraith, posted a statement on her Instagram revealing her opposition to a new contract. In this statement, in which she tagged all other French voice actors, she revealed that all 31 voice actors were united in their opposition.
This opposition came as a result of a new clause, which according to a further statement means that "We are being asked to endorse AI."
AI row with French Apex Legends voice actors not first in gaming sector
This row is very similar to several others that have happened in recent years. The rise, and accuracy, of AI raises concerns for a whole manner of creative professions. This includes actors both of screen and voice, artists and writers.
The challenges, and opportunities presented by AI is an industry-wide conversation that is always evolving. However, at least amongst the French cast of Apex Legends, they have chosen to take a stand against the potential future use of AI.
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Full statement from Pascale Chemin
Here is the full initial statement from Pascale Chemin, Wraith's French voice actor, as originally shared onto her Instagram:
"Before even being called in for a video game recording session, the studio sent me (as well as the other 31 actors in the cast) an additional contract by email—directly from the publisher—regarding confidentiality and rights assignment. In order to be called in and thus to work, I must first accept these clauses. At first glance, they are not acceptable, which aligns with the opinion of my specialized audiovisual lawyer. I find myself forced to “give up” the role I had been selected for, after 6 years. In no way can I “force” the rest of the cast to do the same.
But what I want to say is: if we refuse, we will no longer portray these roles. If we accept, we are essentially endorsing the addendum.
THE OTHER 31 ACTORS, WITHOUT HESITATION, HAVE REFUSED TO SIGN THIS ADDENDUM.
We hope that an agreement will be reached between the recording studio, the broadcaster, and the publisher before recording begins, so that everything can return to normal and we can work together again under good conditions.
We do not wish, and cannot, say more. Other actors in other countries have also received this addendum in relation to the new law on intellectual property and its application in Europe.
This is not the first time, nor will it be the last. We have already witnessed this kind of abuse in the past. We are being asked to agree to give up all rights to our voices, with no guarantee of limited use. We are being asked to endorse AI."
What will happen next?
An additional statement from the rest of the cast implied that if a deal can be reached, things could move forward. The wider cast say that they hope that “an agreement will be reached between the recording studio, the broadcaster, and the publisher before recording begins.”
They added that “We have already witnessed this kind of abuse in the past. We are being asked to agree to give up all rights to our voices, with no guarantee of limited use. We are being asked to endorse AI,” referencing previous controversies over the use of AI in video-games.
It was also implied that other actors in other countries have received the same contract to sign. While there is not yet any other regions taking a stand, there could well be more happening privately, behind closed doors.
As of publication, EA or Respawn have not yet commented on the issue. However, it would be a surprise if this issue went without any further statement, even if that came from the voice actors themselves.
Stay tuned to esports.gg for more coverage of Apex Legends.
