**Darkest Dungeon Developers Reject Generative AI for Narrator’s Voice**
The acclaimed indie game *Darkest Dungeon*, developed by Red Hook Studios, has made headlines recently due to its stance on the use of generative AI in recreating the voice of its late narrator, Wayne June. Chris Bourassa, co-founder and creative director of Red Hook, stated unequivocally that they will “never, ever” employ AI to replicate June’s voice, despite the fact that June had expressed approval of the idea shortly before his passing in January 2023.
In a detailed discussion on Reddit, Bourassa revealed that in one of his final communications, June had given permission for his voice to be used for AI training. This suggestion came as a shift from his previous strict opposition to the idea. Bourassa emphasized, however, that the studio had never pursued this option and instead chose to prioritize the legacy and performances of June, stating, “I would never, ever erode his incredible and timeless performances by teaching a machine to sound like him.”
The choice not to use generative AI sparked a mixed response from the community. Some users highlighted that avoiding AI could be a detrimental decision, proposing that potential pitfalls associated with the technology, such as environmental impact and ethical concerns regarding consent, could be mitigated through careful human curation. Responding to such suggestions, Bourassa maintained his position, insisting that decisions should not be driven by fear but by respect for June’s legacy.
This conversation raises broader ethical considerations regarding the use of generative AI to recreate the voices of deceased individuals. The practice, while it might offer a way for companies to capitalize on nostalgia, raises significant moral questions. The idea of resurrecting a voice for “Product and Profit” has been criticized as ghoulish. Some advocates for ethical AI argue that modeling deceased individuals could potentially provide comfort for those grieving, but the opportunity cost for living voice actors is considerable, as it may deprive them of roles and representation.
The debate over AI’s role in recreating the artistry of deceased individuals is intensifying, particularly in the creative industries. In recent months, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) has taken legal action against companies using generative AI in ways that overshadow human talent. An incident involving the recreation of James Earl Jones’s voice for the iconic character Darth Vader highlights the contentious nature of this issue.
In the context of *Darkest Dungeon*, the narrative itself is particularly intertwined with themes of death and legacy. The game’s story hinges on the character of the Ancestor, who takes his own life before the player embarks on their journey. Throughout the game, his voice continues to echo, serving both as guidance and a reminder of failure. While it may seem thematically consistent to use AI to reanimate June’s voice in this context, many agree that such a decision could not be justified on ethical grounds.
In conclusion, Red Hook’s commitment to honoring Wayne June’s legacy rather than resorting to generative AI underscores a broader discussion about the respect owed to artists, whether living or deceased, and the responsibilities of creators when navigating the complexities of modern technology.
