The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the video game industry has become a reality, but not without controversy. Actress Samantha Béart, who voices Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3, recently expressed her concerns about companies adopting AI solely for cost-saving reasons, even at the expense of their reputation.
AI and the Desire to Save Money
In a conversation with Edge magazine, Béart discussed the issue, stating that companies pushing AI are motivated mainly by the desire to save money. She warned that in the long run, this would harm both their reputation and business. Regarding the actors, Béart doesn’t see a scenario where they would willingly step back despite the increasing demand for AI by video game companies. After all, refusing would cost them their jobs.
She firmly said, “It’s just not going to happen. Why would you do it? You’ve just signed your way out of any sort of job or career.” Béart also emphasized that creative professionals face difficulties securing roles when business leaders focus solely on profits. “We have an industry of highly artistic people who’ve had a calling to do this stuff, and then you’ve got these people with money, who don’t play games, who see it as an easy way to make a return on investment.”
Struggling to Negotiate with Corporations
Béart explained that negotiating with the people in power is challenging, especially as contracts increasingly appear designed to deceive actors. She believes that the dream of tech workers is to sell their companies at an inflated price and retire, and this mentality is now infiltrating video game studios. According to her, many video game studios are currently being sold off in such a way, risking their integrity for profit.
