Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty Update Features AI-Enhanced Voice Acting in Tribute to Deceased Actor

CD Projekt Red uses AI technology to preserve the voice acting legacy of the late Miłogost Reczek, who portrayed Viktor Vektor in Cyberpunk 2077.

The recent “Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty” update has brought a wealth of new content to the game, including additional voice lines for several characters. In a unique move, CD Projekt Red has employed AI technology to recreate the voice of a deceased actor.

While exploring the “Phantom Liberty” DLC in Cyberpunk 2077, players will undoubtedly notice the extensive new voice acting that enhances the game. One of the challenges CD Projekt Red faced was continuing the work of Miłogost Reczek, a renowned Polish voice actor who passed away in late 2021. Reczek’s voice was iconic in the Polish version of the game, as he portrayed Viktor Vektor.

The dilemma arose as to how to handle Reczek’s absence for the DLC and future updates. CD Projekt Red’s localization team devised an innovative solution, choosing to preserve Reczek’s performance through a blend of human voice acting and AI technology.

In this process, the localization team hired a voice actor to record the new lines in their own voice. Subsequently, AI was employed to modify these recordings to closely resemble Miłogost Reczek’s voice. CD Projekt Red’s localization director, Mikołaj Szwed, explained the rationale behind this approach, highlighting that it allowed them to pay tribute to Reczek’s remarkable performance as Viktor Vektor.

The critical aspect of this unique endeavor is that it was conducted with the explicit permission of Miłogost Reczek’s family, who expressed their support for the project. Reczek’s sons were reportedly understanding and appreciative of the effort to honor their father’s work.

However, the use of AI in this context raises questions and concerns about the ethical implications of posthumous voice acting. It touches on issues related to personal autonomy and the consent of the deceased, which have stirred debates surrounding AI usage in the entertainment industry. The controversial role of AI in entertainment has been a focal point, particularly with the joint strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).

While the use of AI in this case is more nuanced and considerate, the broader implications remain under scrutiny. CD Projekt Red’s decision to utilize AI to continue Miłogost Reczek’s legacy introduces ethical and moral questions that extend to the broader use of AI in video games and entertainment.

This unique approach serves as a tribute to the late voice actor, and it opens a dialogue about the evolving role of AI in preserving and repurposing the voices of the departed. The boundaries of AI usage in such scenarios are still being explored, prompting reflection on how we want our voices and legacies to be remembered.