Alpharetta, Georgia – Game developer Hi-Rez Studios, known for video games like Smite and Paladins, responded to the backlash over alleged AI replicating actors’ voices. 

Stewart Chisam, Hi-Rez’s CEO, contended that the company will only do so under certain conditions when an actor dies or is incapacitated while under contract, and is now guaranteed to change its contract in response.

The incident started with Henry Schrader, a voice actor, claiming the company planned to use AI to clone voices and lacked contract safeguards. Chisam initially denied this but later shared a contract clause allowing AI simulation of voices after an actor’s death or incapacity. 

The clause also covered protection against “digital double” AI clones, which are direct recreations of real human beings.

Later, Chisam acknowledged the clause’s controversy and requested its removal. The updated version of the rider has been published with controversial clauses removed in its entirety.