'I feel worried about this art form:' Unsurprisingly, the real Aloy from Horizon isn't a fan of AI Aloy
Voice actor Ashly Burch, known for her role as Aloy in Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West, shared her response to a controversial AI tech demo of her character leaked last week and, unsurprisingly, it has her worried about the future of the gaming industry.
Burch explained in a TikTok video, "Gorilla reached out to me to let me know that the demo didn't reflect anything that was actively in development. They didn't use any of my performance for the demo, so none of my facial or voice data."
"All that said, I feel worried. And not worried about Gorilla specifically or Horizon or my performance or my career specifically, even. I feel worried about this art form, game performance as an art form."
Burch's response comes amidst an ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike hinging on protections for actors from the use of AI to replace them in the gaming industry.
SAG-AFTRA fought a similar battle in the film and TV industry back in 2023 alongside the Writers Guild of America. Now, video game voice and motion capture actors are also striking to protect their careers and the future of their industry from AI.
Ashly Burch summed up the situation in her video, stating, "The technology isn't the problem, game companies wanting to use the technology isn't the problem. The problem is that we are currently on strike and the bargaining group [for the game studios] will not agree to give us common sense protections."
The leaked AI tech demo of Aloy is a stark warning about what the future of the gaming industry could look like if voice and motion capture artists don't win their fight for AI protections.
The clip of the tech demo has been removed from YouTube, but the footage was noticeably more cold and robotic than Burch's phenomenal performance as Aloy. It highlights all the nuance and heart we lose when the human element is taken out of game performances.
Fans are unhappy about the tech demo as well. As one Horizon player commented on Reddit, "If they use this AI tech in the next game. I will not be buying it or playing it."
Another user called fans to support Burch, commenting, "As fans of games like Horizon, we should support the PEOPLE working to improve our entertainment experiences. I'm all for technical advancement, like she said. But it can't replace people."
While Burch reassured everyone in her video that her performance wasn't used to train the AI Aloy shown in the tech demo, she admitted that the risk of actors' performances being exploited or used without their permission for AI is very real.
Best of the best
2025 games: Upcoming releasesBest PC games: All-time favoritesFree PC games: Freebie festBest FPS games: Finest gunplayBest RPGs: Grand adventuresBest co-op games: Better together
"I feel worried not because the technology exists, not even because game companies want to use it. Of course they do, they always want to use technological advancements. I just imagine a video like this coming out that does have someone's performance attached to it," Burch explained.
She added, "If we lose this fight, that person would have no recourse. They wouldn't have any protections, any way to fight back. And that possibility… It makes me so sad."
Actors and gamers alike are right to be worried about the future of the gaming industry. Voice and motion capture actors have become the heart and soul of so many great games and are getting much more recognition today than they once did.
Hopefully, game studios take notice of the response to the AI Aloy clip from Burch and Horizon fans. AI can be a helpful tool in gaming, but if it's used to take actors out of the equation, that's a loss for gamers and gaming as a powerful storytelling medium.
As Ashly Burch put it, "I love this industry and this art form so much and I want there to be a new generation of actors. I want there to be so many more incredible game performances. [...] If we don't win, then that future is really compromised."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NBC Sports
3 hours ago
- NBC Sports
Let the external vetting of David White begin
In June 2023, a less-than-ideal vetting process resulted in Lloyd Howell becoming the next executive director of the NFL Players Association. With Howell out, the NFLPA opted to hire the guy who finished second to Howell. Out of two finalists. David White has joined the NFLPA as the interim executive director. It's unknown when, or if, the board of player representatives became aware White was a candidate before it was time to cast ballots. Common sense suggests that the players at large didn't know that White or anyone else was up for the job, since someone would have leaked it to a reporter. Given the flaws in the research that resulted in Howell being one of two finalists for the job in 2023, it's fair to wonder whether the exploration into White's background had similar flaws. Even the most cursory review would have found a June 11, 2015 article on that began with this paragraph: 'SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White recently misled the union's board of directors about the union's attempt to whitewash An Open Secret, director Amy Berg's explosive new documentary about the sexual abuse of child actors in Hollywood. He also misled the board about the union's threat to sue her and the film's producers.' The issue arose from a report that SAG-AFTRA has threatened to sue Amy Berg unless she removed 'all references' to the union from the film. The union had said in a statement that it did not threaten to sue Berg, and that it didn't try to suppress information regarding it. Berg disagreed, telling this: 'I felt that SAG-AFTRA used legal threats to try to sanitize the film.' She also provided a copy of the letter from SAG-AFTRA's outside counsel — a copy of which had been sent to White. First question. Did the NFLPA executive committee and/or the board of player representatives know about this issue in 2023? Second question: Did they discuss it before they hired White on Sunday? Third question: If they knew about it, why was he not disqualified? Last week, Pablo Torre reported in our third collaboration that White resigned from SAG-AFTRA in 2021, and that he thereafter was rumored to be in the running to lead the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. That's the equivalent, as Pablo said, of someone from the NFLPA going to work for the NFL. So, basically, if White isn't offered the permanent executive director job after serving as interim executive director, will he promptly offer his services (and any union secrets) to the NFL? Last week, Bengals center and NFLPA executive committee member Ted Karras said this, via 'Anyone in a leadership role within our union needs to live above reproach.' Someone needs to ask Karras, the rest of the executive committee, and any player rep who voted for the runner up to Lloyd Howell whether misleading a union's board of directors counts as living above reproach. The problem, of course, is that the current culture at the top of the NFLPA favors circling the wagons over dealing with inconvenient truths. It's a manifestation of the aspect of human nature that keeps us from admitting our own mistakes (e.g., Jon Voight's car). Consider this recent quote from Commanders running back Austin Ekeler, regarding the disastrous search that resulted in the hiring of Lloyd Howell: 'I think it was a good process. There were a few issues that wound up biting us that we couldn't have foreseen at the time, but I like where we're at.' Believing it was a good process is the first step toward dusting off that process and making the guy who came in second the new boss. Dismissing flaws they knew or should have known about becomes step two. Ignoring outside input from pencil-necked geeks (like me) is step three. Keeping it all a secret is step four. Step five could be the inevitable resignation of White, after Pablo Torre takes an even deeper dive into the situation.
Business Upturn
4 hours ago
- Business Upturn
Motorheads Season 2: Latest updates on release date, cast and plot details
By Aman Shukla Published on August 4, 2025, 19:30 IST Last updated August 4, 2025, 13:33 IST Buckle up, Motorheads fans! The high-octane teen drama that roared onto Prime Video in May 2025 left everyone craving more after its cliffhanger-packed Season 1 finale, 'Redbird.' With street racing, family secrets, and small-town vibes fueling the story, anticipation for Motorheads Season 2 is revving up. Here's the latest scoop on the release date, cast and what to expect from this adrenaline-charged series. Is Motorheads Season 2 Happening? Release Date Rumors As of August 2025, Prime Video hasn't officially greenlit Motorheads Season 2, but there's plenty of reason to stay hopeful. The show's creator, John A. Norris, dropped a major hint on X, responding to a fan with, 'Season two is written,' signaling that scripts are ready to roll if the streaming giant gives the go-ahead. The series has been a hit, climbing Prime Video's U.S. TV charts, topping the list on May 22 and 23, 2025, and holding strong in the top 10 since its debut. With a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, fan love is undeniable. If renewed, production timelines for similar Prime Video shows point to a possible release in late 2026 or early 2027. Filming for Season 1 took place from March to July 2024 in Toronto, Canada, despite delays from the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. A similar schedule could mean fans won't wait too long for more Motorheads action, assuming renewal news drops soon. Keep those engines warm and eyes peeled for updates Motorheads Season 2 Cast: Who's Returning? The core cast of Motorheads brought heart and grit to the Rust Belt town of Ironwood, Pennsylvania, and most are expected to return if Season 2 gets the green light. Here's who's likely to be back behind the wheel: Michael Cimino as Zac Torres, the street-racing teen unraveling his father's mysterious disappearance. Melissa Collazo as Caitlyn Torres, Zac's car-loving twin sister who's ready to take on street racing herself. Ryan Phillippe as Logan Maddox, the former NASCAR driver and auto shop owner with shady ties. Nathalie Kelley as Samantha, Zac and Caitlyn's mom navigating her past in Ironwood. Nicolas Cantu as Marcel, the nerdy neighbor and loyal friend to the twins. Uriah Shelton as Curtis, the young mechanic and Caitlyn's love interest. Josh Macqueen as Harris, the rival racer whose fate hangs in the balance after a dramatic crash in the Season 1 finale. Mia Healey as Alicia Whitaker, caught in a complex web with Zac and Harris. Drake Rodger as Ray, Curtis' older brother, and Johnna Dias-Watson as Kiara Gibbons, Caitlyn's schoolmate with unexplored romantic tension, may also return in recurring roles. New faces could join the lineup, as Season 1 added recurring players like Matt Lanter and Sophia Esperanza during production. Any casting updates will likely tie into the evolving storylines, especially with new secrets about the Maddox family waiting to be uncovered. Motorheads Season 2 Plot: What's Next for Ironwood? Motorheads Season 1 floored fans with its mix of heart-pounding races, coming-of-age drama, and a mystery surrounding Christian Maddox's disappearance 17 years ago. The finale left jaws on the floor with a car crash involving Harris and a chilling hint about Christian's fate, setting up juicy plot threads for Season 2. Here's what the next chapter might explore: Zac's Betrayal and Consequences : Zac's involvement in a car heist shocked Alicia, leaving their budding romance on shaky ground. Will she confront him or turn him in? Michael Cimino teased that Zac's choices will change him, impacting his relationships with Alicia and others. Caitlyn's Racing Journey : Caitlyn helped rebuild her dad's old car in Season 1, and Melissa Collazo hinted at her character hitting the streets as a racer. A sibling rivalry with Zac could heat things up, adding a fun dynamic to their bond. Harris' Fate : The Season 1 cliffhanger left Harris' survival uncertain after his crash. Josh Macqueen suggested Harris' obsession with beating Zac led to his downfall, but if he returns, he might rethink his priorities. The Maddox Family Mystery : The search for answers about Christian Maddox's disappearance will likely drive Season 2. Logan's shady deals and Samantha's past could reveal more about the bank heist and Ironwood's struggles. Alicia and Kiara's Arcs: Mia Healey hinted at a 'complicated' Season 2 for Alicia, torn between her history with Harris and her feelings for Zac. Meanwhile, Caitlyn and Kiara's chemistry could blossom into a deeper storyline, exploring Caitlyn's sexuality further. The show's strength lies in its balance of high-stakes racing and emotional depth, making the car world accessible even for non-gearheads. Expect Season 2 to dive deeper into Ironwood's financial woes, the teens' ambitions, and the messy ties binding the characters. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
New York Post
5 days ago
- New York Post
Harrison Ford ran into exec who said he had 'no future' years later
Ford's full speed ahead. Harrison Ford has no plans to retire — even suggesting he chose the acting route for that very reason. 'No. That's one of the things I thought was attractive about the job of an actor, was that they need old people, too, to play old people's parts,' the 'Star Wars' actor, 83, told Variety in an interview published Wednesday. After decades in Hollywood, Ford finally got his first Emmy nomination this year, for the AppleTV+ show 'Shrinking,' where he plays Dr. Paul Rhoades, a therapist who has Parkinson's disease. 10 Harrison Ford attends SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations Presents 'Shrinking' in LA on June 7, 2025. Getty Images for SAG-AFTRA Foundation 'I don't think there's anything competitive about creativity, and I don't understand the need to compare and contrast one person's work to another's,' he said of his nomination. 'If you like it, you like it; if you don't like it, look at something else.' The 'Indiana Jones' star is 'grateful' for the recognition, however. 'But I would have done what I did — and I'll do what I'm doing — regardless of whether it's deemed worthy of mention or not,' he explained. 'Because it's what I do. It's what I love doing. I love telling stories. I love pretending to be somebody else.' 10 Harrison Ford and Jason Segel in 'Shrinking.' Apple TV+ Michael J, Fox will be in 'Shrinking' Season 3, which doesn't have a premiere date, yet. The actor, 64, revealed in 1998 that he has Parkinson's. Ford says that it was 'essential' to talk to Fox about the disease, as Ford's character struggles with it. 'Michael's courage, his fortitude and his grace, more than anything else, is on full display,' Ford told Variety. 'He's a very smart, very brave, noble, generous, passionate guy, and an example to all of us, whether we're facing Parkinson's or not. You cannot help but recognize how amazing it is to have such grace.' 10 Harrison Ford for Variety. Peggy Sirota for Variety 10 Harrison Ford for Variety. Peggy Sirota for Variety Watching the 'Back to the Future' star let him 'inform' himself about his character more. '[But] more than that, he allows me to believe that Paul could believe that he could be adequate to the challenge,' he said. 'The truth is that we can't be f—ing around with this just to make a joke or anything. Parkinson's is not funny. And I want to get it right. It's necessary to be correct with what we do in respect of the challenge that Parkinson's represents, and that we don't use it for its entertainment value.' Ford rose to fame in the 1970s, in the 'Star Wars' franchise. When asked about improvising Han Solo's famous response, 'I know,' after Leia tells him she loves him in 'The Empire Strikes Back,' he recalled, 'I was supposed to say, 'I love you too,' and I thought that was a little un-Han Solo-ish. I thought it was a little banal. So I said no, and [director] Irvin Kershner agreed with me.' The actor added that 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas was 'not so sure,' and made Ford sit next to him the first time they screened the film in front of an audience. 10 Harrison Ford for Variety. Peggy Sirota for Variety 10 Harrison Ford for Variety. Peggy Sirota for Variety 'They laughed, but it was a good laugh, so we kept it in,' he recalled. Ford had a 'special relationship' with his co-stars Mark Hamill, 73, and Carrie Fisher, who died in 2016 at age 60. 'Carrie had a very inspired wit and very special manner. She's also very smart, very funny. Both of them were dear friends — are dear friends,' he told Variety. After 'Star Wars,' Ford had a small role in the 1979 classic 'Apocalypse Now.' 10 Harrison Ford in 'What Lies Beneath.' ©DreamWorks/Courtesy Everett Collection 'I went down to the Philippines and shot my part of it right after one of the 'Star Wars' movies, and when George Lucas first saw the movie, he didn't know the character was me, even though he was named Lucas,' he told the outlet. 'An Easter egg, I now understand it to be.' 'The Fugitive' actor didn't always have Hollywood execs who saw his star power, however. He recalled an incident from his early days when he was under contract to Columbia Pictures at the time, 'for $150 a week and all the respect that that implies.' Ford didn't name names, but said the exec was the head of the new talent program. 'He told me that I had no future in the business. Which was OK. And then he asked me to get my hair cut like Elvis Presley. That I didn't go along with,' he quipped. 'He thought that 'Harrison Ford' was too pretentious a name for a young man.' 10 Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford in 'Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope.' ©Lucasfilm Ltd./courtesy Everett / Everett Collection Years later, they met again, 'across a crowded dining room,' and the unnamed exec sent the 'Blade Runner' star 'a card on which he'd written, 'I missed my guess.'' 'I looked around, couldn't remember which one he was, but then he nodded at me and smiled, and I thought, 'Oh yeah, I know you.'' The 'Witness' star also reflected on revisiting his iconic Indiana Jones character later in life, in the 2023 movie 'Dial of Destiny.' 10 Harrison Ford and Lukita Maxwell in 'Shrinking.' Beth Dubber 'Well, I wanted to see him as an older man facing the consequences of the life that he had lived. But I couldn't imagine that we were going to end up doing five of them,' he said. 'I didn't expect success. In the movie business, you always go in wanting to be successful, but you don't always expect to be.' He did think 1981's 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' would be a hit though. 'I read it very quickly, one time. I'd been asked by George Lucas to go and meet Steven Spielberg, who I didn't know, and he sent me a script to read. I thought it was great,' he recalled. 10 Harrison Ford in 'Blade Runner.' ©Warner Bros/courtesy Everett Co 'And then I went to meet Steven, we spent about an hour together and suddenly I had a job.' When he's not acting, Ford is also a pilot. In 2015, he famously sustained multiple injuries when a small plane he was piloting lost engine power and crashed on a golf course in Venice, Calif. 'I've been through a couple of big accidents that took a while to heal from. This is not something dismissed lightly, but sh-t happens; it was a mechanical issue that was judged to be beyond my control. If I'd been at fault, I would have taken another direction,' he told Variety. 'But I don't think it informs my life on a day-to-day basis now that I've recovered sufficiently from the physical effects.'
