Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3’s Karlach actor Samantha Béart has revealed their stance on the use of generative AI in video game development. TheBaldur’s Gate 3actor claims that CEOs making use of the technology “just want to save money.”
WhenBaldur’s Gate 3was first released in the second half of 2023, much of the praise directed towards Larian’s epic CRPG was aimed at its very much human cast. Actors like Béart, who portrays the popularBaldur’s Gate 3companionKarlach, as well as the likes of Jennifer English (Shadowheart) and Neil Newbon (Astarion), were highly praised for their work in the game, bringing life and depth to each character throughout the journey.
Speaking toEdge, Béart stated thatCEOs using AI in game development"just want to save money," claiming, “In the long term, it’ll destroy their reputation, their company, everything.” The actor also believes that others won’t back down to the demands of AI from studios. “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. 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.”
Baldur’s Gate 3 Actor Samantha Béart Says CEOs “Just Want to Save Money” With AI
Generative AI has become an increasingly contested issue over the last few years, especially as the technology improves to the point where it’s becoming viable in commercial products. A recent leak showed thatSony is testing AI-powered versions of PlayStation characters, which drew criticism from Aloy actor Ashly Burch, one of the characters appearing in this leak. Actors' stance on this technology is understandable, and given the apparent determination of some studios to use it going forward, it seems this divide will only deepen in the near future.
In the long term, it’ll destroy their reputation, their company, everything.
In the past, Samantha Béart hasexpressed an interest in returning to the role ofBaldur’s Gate 3’s Karlach, even without the involvement of Larian Studios going forward. Given Béart’s stance on generative AI, it’s safe to assume that this return would be contingent on the technology being ruled out on the project.
