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EA Uses AI to Generate Commentator Voice Lines in NHL 27
Electronic Arts is using generative AI to produce some of the commentary voice lines in NHL 27, according to veteran sports commentator John Buccigross, who works on the game. Buccigross confirmed that EA showed him the technology using his own voice, and that some of his in-game lines are now AI-generated rather than recorded in a traditional studio session. He still reviews the lines for authenticity, keeping him involved in the process even as the hands-on recording workload shrinks.
Buccigross struck a notably relaxed tone about the development, saying "If it means less work and the same check, I'll take it." His comments signal a shift in how major sports game publishers may approach commentary production going forward, using AI voice cloning to supplement or replace portions of the time-intensive booth recording process while retaining the talent's involvement in a quality-control role.
Key Insights
- 1EA Sports is using generative AI to create some commentator voice lines in NHL 27, marking a significant shift in how the studio produces in-game audio.
- 2Commentator John Buccigross confirmed the technology firsthand, saying EA demonstrated the AI system using his own voice.
- 3Buccigross still reviews AI-generated lines for authenticity, suggesting EA is keeping human talent in a quality-control role rather than cutting them out entirely.
- 4Buccigross expressed no opposition to the practice, framing it as a welcome reduction in tedious studio work for the same compensation.
- 5The move raises broader industry questions about the future of voice talent contracts, compensation, and consent in sports game production.
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