How to integrate AI voices into video game development

Creating an immersive video game experience is an art form that demands creativity, technological innovation, and—crucially—time. First-person shooter game Duke Nukem Forever famously took 14 years to produce.

Among the challenges faced by video game developers, voiceover recording and localization are particularly time-consuming hurdles.

Thankfully, there’s a potential game changer: AI voice generation. With the capacity to generate professional-quality voiceovers in a fraction of the time, AI voice technology offers a streamlined, cost-effective alternative to the traditional voice acting industry.

Key takeaways:

• AI voice technologies like voice cloning and text-to-speech models allow for rapid production of high-quality, realistic voiceovers.
• Utilizing AI for voice generation reduces reliance on extensive voice acting pools, which can be costly and time-consuming
• AI-generated voices improve the interactive aspects of games by providing lifelike and diverse character dialogues in multiple languages.

What are AI voices and how do they work?

AI voices are algorithmic programs trained on vast libraries. Using extensive datasets and employing machine learning techniques, these voices not only synthesize new vocal expressions but also clone existing ones, allowing for a broad range of adaptability and customization. 

At the core of this innovation is voice cloning, a process that begins with a human speech sample. Through textual input, it reproduces the original voice with remarkable accuracy, capturing the unique inflections, intonations, and nuances of human speech. This technology has proven to be especially beneficial in enhancing realism for video game NPCs, ensuring that no two characters sound alike.

The science behind AI voices

The technical foundation of AI voices includes Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology, which allows voice generators to recognize and transcribe in-game dialogues. Additionally, Natural Language Processing (NLP) enables these AI-generated voices to comprehend the context and intent behind words, enriching interactions with a life-like layer of understanding.

Voice synthesis employs neural networks and deep learning models to generate human-like speech from textual input. Although text-to-speech remains the most common use case for gaming, innovations such as ElevenLabs' speech-to-speech technology promise enhanced modulation and fine-tuning capabilities.

Speech-to-speech technologies will improve AI voices' precision, realism, and overall versatility.

How are AI voices integrated into video game development? 

AI voices are helping game developers at all stages of game creation, from pre-production to distribution. For example, voice cloning can be used to generate NPC voices, enabling greater expression for characters which can typically sound pretty robotic. Meanwhile, voice libraries can be used to save developers' time when sourcing voices.

Case study: the AI narrator of Beneath The Six

In July 2023, UK game studio Magicave partnered with ElevenLabs to transform narration for its upcoming game, Beneath the Six. Currently in development, the game will feature in-game narration by Tom Canton, known for Netflix’s hit show The Witcher.

Magicave and ElevenLabs’ partnership will utilize text-to-speech models with context-based delivery capabilities to generate fresh, entirely individualized AI narration. Thanks to high compression, the AI narration can fit seamlessly into the game, while offering an infinitely more creative experience for players. 

Beneath The Six’s AI narrator is an exciting sign of things to come for video games leveraging AI voice technology, where the artistry of even the busiest actors can enliven any video game story.

AI voice generators for video games

Choosing an AI voice generator depends on a game’s specific needs. Let’s take a look at three of the top AI voice generators currently on the market. 

ElevenLabs

ElevenLabs offers realistic, creative voice generation through three key tools: a voice library, an intelligent text-to-speech model that generates synthetic character voices, and AI dubbing, which smoothly translates character voices into tens of languages. 

ElevenLabs’ pros are its language capabilities, realism, and fine-tuning capabilities. Voices generated by TTS or dubbing are designed to mimic the natural pauses, intonation, and emotional inflection of human speech, ensuring life-like characters.  

Replica Digital Voice Studio

Replica Studios was ahead of the game in integrating AI voices and had a suite of useful software available. In 2023, Replica announced Smart NPCs, a game engine-compatible plug-in for speedily generating hundreds of NPC voices for video games.

On the good side, Replica’s software is true to life, and trusted by a range of powerful partners. Multiple export formats ensure compatibility with any game, and Replica is quick to highlight the importance of ethics and security to their studios.

However, with partners like Google, Replica may be too pricy for some indie game developers. The software is also not that intuitive to those new to integrating AI into their games.

PlayHT

PlayHT boasts quality AI voice cloning and Text-To-Speech (TTS) designed for the film, animation, and game industries. With a wide range of languages (142) and unique features like Multi-Voice tools and Custom Pronunciations, PlayHT offers exciting prospects to game developers looking to integrate AI into their workflow. 

Customization options allow developers to generate synthetic character voices that have unique levels of emotional expression, as well as catering to a diversity of dialects, speech styles, and intonations. 

However, PlayHT is still a Beta model and often generates inaccuracies, which can hold up developers hoping to utilize AI voice-generation tools. It’s also one of the most expensive software out there ($31/month). This prices out individuals or indie developers. 

Integrating AI voices into video games: what are the effects?

When integrating AI voices into video games, developers must carefully balance the pros with the cons.

The benefits of using AI voices for game development

1. Global reach: Advanced dubbing capabilities allow games to adapt their unique worlds to suit any language and culture, creating opportunities for studios to make global hits.
2. Speed: TTS technology allows for rapid iteration (generation, editing, fine-tuning). For studios needing to hit deadlines, expediency is key to the game development process.
3. Cost: With some studios outsourcing thousands of voice actors, creating the soundtrack to a game can be one of the most expensive parts. But cutting costs usually leads to robotic, disappointing character voices. AI voice generation vastly reduces the financial burden of hiring human actors, freeing up studios to get as creative as possible.
4. Greater inclusivity: The increasing integration of AI voices into the game development process levels the playing field for smaller studios. PlayStation 4 games have an average budget of $100 million, something indie developers can sadly only dream of. With AI voices able to dramatically cut costs, indie studios can utilize AI to challenge big developers.
5. New creative possibilities: With VR and AR increasingly in the mainstream, we are seeing hints of the future of a gaming world powered by AI. Games are trending to become increasingly more and more interactive—some studios are developing software for players to be able to use voice cloning to place their own voices in a game, totally transforming their experience.

The challenges of using AI voices for game development

1. Avoiding robotic voices: A key issue with synthetic voices is that they don’t always sound fully authentic. Particularly when dubbed into a foreign language, the AI lacks the intuition and insight of a native speaker. The best AI voices use personalized TTS models and some level of human intervention to fine-tune realistic-sounding character voices.
2. Protecting voice actors: Understandably, voice actors are worried that AI voices will put them out of work. But with the right protocols, the rights of voice actors can be protected. For example, ElevenLabs and Magicave have assigned Tom Canton ownership of the AI voice using his samples. This means the actor can profit from the synthetic voice not only in Beneath The Six but integrate it in other film, animation, or audiobook projects. 

Conclusion

Integrating AI voices in video game development marks a huge step forward. It solves the complex challenges of recording voices and making games fit for players from all over the world.

Now, developers can use AI to populate games with life-like, captivating characters with their own emotions, making games far more engaging and immersive for players.

By intelligently using this technology, game makers can overcome hurdles like making AI voices sound natural and making sure voice actors are treated fairly. This way, everyone wins—the people making the games, the voice actors, and the gamers playing them.

Want to try ElevenLabs' AI voice generation capabilities for yourself? Get started here.

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