Baldur's Gate 3 Actor Slams Generative AI in Heated Remarks

Baldur's Gate 3 actor Neil Newbon has publicly criticized generative AI, calling it "sucks" and questioning its necessity in performance capture. His comments, shared on social media, sparked debate regarding the future of digital actors and the role of AI in entertainment production. Newbon passionately advocates for human performance.

• AI's current capabilities are unreliable.
• Human performance fosters creativity and fun.
• Digital actors deserve protection and respect.
• Concerns raised about AI replacing human roles.

Neil Newbon, the voice and performance capture actor for Astarion in the critically acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3, voiced his strong disapproval of generative AI in recent online posts. He argues that while AI might improve, its use inherently diminishes the creative process and devalues the work of human performers. The comments were made in response to ongoing discussions about AI's increasing prevalence in the entertainment industry.

Newbon's critique highlights AI’s current inability to replicate nuanced human expression. He questioned the logic of replacing human actors with imperfect digital substitutes. The actor's remarks follow rising anxieties among performers regarding potential job displacement due to AI technology. This occurred on November 3, 2023.

Newbon’s comments amplify the growing concerns within the entertainment sector regarding the ethical and artistic implications of AI. The debate underscores the need for protections for performers and a focus on preserving the human element in storytelling. His words have resonated widely, fueling a crucial conversation.