CD Projekt Uses AI to Restore The Witcher 3 Actor's Voice
The studio used AI to restore Geralt's sound to how it was 12 years ago.
A Unique Case in AI History
CD Projekt is employing a distinctive technological solution for its latest project, the new The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt expansion titled 'Songs of the Past.' Jacek Rozenek, the Polish voice actor for Geralt who has portrayed the character for years, has faced significant health challenges. A stroke in 2019 left a mark on his speech, resulting in a voice that is lower and rougher than it was 12 years ago during the recording of the original game.
To ensure the character's personality and tone remained consistent, the studio collaborated with AI technology company Respeecher. Their goal was to modify Rozenek's current voice to regain the youthful, energetic quality that gamers remember from the original title. Importantly, this process is being conducted with the full consent and involvement of the actor himself.
Technological Challenges and Ethics
AI specialist Dmytro Vasylyets noted that the process was quite complex. It was not just about restoring the timbre; the AI had to maintain the actor's emotional range—laughter, anger, fear, and shouting. Dozens of hours were spent training the models and resolving technical flaws that often accompany synthetic voices.
CD Projekt representatives acknowledge that using AI in voice acting is a sensitive topic. However, in this specific instance, the studio considers it an exception. A company representative emphasized that this decision does not signal a systematic implementation of AI to replace actors. For example, Geralt's English-language actor, Doug Cockle, will not use this technology as there is no such necessity.
Past Experience and the Future
This is not the first time CD Projekt has used technology to restore the voices of actors who have passed away or faced health issues. Previously, they used a similar method to restore the voice of Milogost Reczek, who voiced the character Viktor Vektor in Cyberpunk 2077. That decision was also made with the family's consent.
According to the studio, such an approach is only justified in situations where it is essential to maintain a character's identity within a specific chronological period. In future games, where Geralt will be older, the natural change in his voice will be an acceptable and organic process. This step underscores how the modern industry attempts to balance innovative technology with the human factor, particularly when it comes to the authenticity of beloved characters.