Divinity producer highlights the importance of supporting voice actors, stating that using AI for minor lines diminishes opportunities for performers like Baldur’s Gate 3’s Jennifer English.

The conversation around generative AI is heating up in the gaming world, and Burhan Zamri, an associate producer at Larian Studios, known for titles like Divinity and Baldur’s Gate 3, is vocal about his opposition to using AI for voice-over roles. In a recent Twitter post, he emphasized the importance of giving smaller roles to human actors instead of machines.

Zamri pointed out that relying on generative AI could mean missing out on supporting talented performers like Jennifer English, who voiced a minor treasure chest character in Divinity: Original Sin 2. He shared a clip showcasing a delightful exchange where the protagonist must unlock a repository with a password. These small interactions add significant depth to the overall experience, especially in a sprawling game like Original Sin 2.

“When we let AI do the ‘unimportant lines’ (which is nonsense), people with potential never get to shine,” he remarked. This highlights a vital aspect of game development: even minor roles serve as crucial stepping stones for aspiring voice actors and other creatives.

These smaller roles provide invaluable experience within the industry, allowing newcomers to learn and grow without the pressure of more prominent positions. While some discussions about AI focus on automating less glamorous tasks, these very tasks are essential for nurturing talent.

Jennifer English has made a name for herself, voicing characters like Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3 and Latenna in Elden Ring. However, her journey began with smaller roles, including that memorable riddle in Divinity: Original Sin 2. As the community eagerly anticipates a new Divinity title from Larian, it’s clear that every voice actor deserves the opportunity to start somewhere.

“It isn’t about trying to shock”: Divinity isn’t an RPG that shies away from heavy topics because Larian knows “people are capable of appreciating a three-dimensional world.”