Lara Croft's AI-Generated Voice Sparks Controversy in Tomb Raider Remastered Games

Lara Croft's AI-Generated Voice Sparks Controversy in Tomb Raider Remastered Games

The latest Tomb Raider remastered games have been embroiled in controversy over the use of an AI-generated voice for the iconic character Lara Croft. Françoise Cadol, the French voice of Lara Croft since 1996, has taken legal action against Aspyr, the game's developer, for allegedly using AI to replicate her voice without consent.

Cadol claims that the AI-generated voice lines were added to genuine recordings she made years ago, and that she did not give permission for her voice to be cloned or used in this manner. Fans and Cadol have described the AI-generated voice as sounding "robotic" and "lifeless," lacking the warmth and believability she brought to the character.

The incident has sparked heated debates among fans and voice actors, with many expressing concerns about the potential impact of AI on the voice acting profession. The issue was a key point of contention in the SAG-AFTRA strike, which concluded earlier this year with new contract terms including AI guardrails.

Aspyr has acknowledged the issue and removed the AI-generated voiceover content, apologizing for any inconvenience caused. The company reportedly blamed an external development partner for the issue and assured that the affected dialogue would be replaced in a forthcoming update.

The controversy highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in AI usage, particularly in creative industries where voice actors and other professionals may be vulnerable to exploitation. As AI technology continues to evolve, it's essential to prioritize the rights and interests of those who bring characters like Lara Croft to life.

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