AI restores Geralt's old voice in Witcher expansion

CD Projekt Red, the renowned developer of the The Witcher series, has recently announced the use of AI to restore the voice of Geralt, narrated by voice actor Jacek Rozenek, in the latest expansion of The Witcher 3. This decision follows serious health issues faced by Rozenek, who suffered a stroke in 2019, resulting in prolonged speech problems and a lasting change to his voice.

Game developers often face criticism when using artificial intelligence, especially concerning aspects of speech and voice acting. However, CD Projekt Red provides a unique explanation for their approach, employing AI to renovate Geralt's voice back to its original sound. This choice demonstrates consideration not only for the voice actor but also for the fans of the game, who have a strong emotional connection with the character.

The implementation of AI in the gaming industry raises questions about ethics and the impact on the industry, but in this case, it appears to be a well-considered decision. It enables developers to achieve a sound quality that comes as close as possible to Geralt's original voice, enriching the experience for players. The use of AI for this specific purpose also underscores the innovative capabilities of the technology behind modern game development.

This approach by CD Projekt Red not only provides an opportunity for Rozenek to reprise his role as Geralt but also allows players to experience the authentic experience they are accustomed to. By using AI to correct the mistakes of the past, the developer makes a powerful statement about resilience and the future of voice in digital entertainment.

Read the full article from Bright.