A new tech might allow EA players to voice their in-game characters

Electronic Arts (EA) is rumored to be on the brink of a groundbreaking innovation that could potentially reshape the gaming experience. Reports suggest that the company has recently patented technology allowing gamers to lend their own voices to in-game characters, a move that could add an unprecedented layer of personalisation to virtual worlds.

What

• The patent, filed in 2020 and titled "Generating speech in the voice of a player of a video game," outlines a method that involves a synthesizer module to convert a player's voice into their in-game character's speech. 
• This technology, termed a voice converter and vocoder, would replicate players' voices and enable their in-game personas to articulate words and phrases in the players' own voices.

AI and deepfake involvement

• While the details of the technology implementation are not explicitly spelled out in the patent, speculation arises about the potential use of artificial intelligence, particularly deepfake technology. 
• The process appears to involve inputting speech content into a synthesizer module, which generates source acoustic features mimicking the player's voice. 
• These features are then passed through a voice converter to blend with the player's target speaker, ultimately reproducing the player's voice for the in-game character.

EA’s history of patents

• EA's track record in patenting innovative technologies is diverse, with previous patents covering aspects like dynamic background music reflecting players' emotions and systems for creating more realistic character models and animations. 
• This recent patent, if implemented, could mark another stride in EA's commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming technology.

What it means for the industry

If EA successfully implements the patented technology allowing gamers to voice their in-game characters, it could revolutionize the gaming industry in several ways:

• Unprecedented personalization

The ability for players to use their own voices for in-game characters adds a new level of personalization. This innovation goes beyond visual customization, creating a more immersive and unique gaming experience tailored to each player's identity.

• Enhanced emotional connection

Hearing one's own voice emanating from a virtual character can strengthen the emotional connection between players and their in-game personas. This deeper attachment may lead to increased player engagement and investment in the game's narrative.

• Innovative narrative possibilities

Game developers could leverage player voices to create more dynamic and personalized storylines. Branching dialogues and character interactions could become even more intricate, responding to the nuances of each player's speech patterns and choices.

• Reduced development time

Traditional voice recording for games, especially those with branching narratives, can be a time-consuming process. The patented technology might streamline this by utilizing AI to replicate player voices, potentially reducing the time and resources required for extensive voice acting.

• Expanded accessibility

Customizable voices could make games more accessible for players with speech-related disabilities. The technology might allow individuals with unique speech patterns or impediments to have characters in the game speak in a way that is comfortable and familiar to them.

• New avenues for social interaction

Player-generated voices could open up exciting possibilities for social interactions within games. Gamers could communicate with each other using their own voices, creating a more authentic and immersive multiplayer experience.

Criticism

However, not all gamers seem equally enthusiastic about the prospect of hearing their own voices in-game. 

• Some express discomfort and cringe at the idea, preferring the option to use celebrity voices instead. 

• The r/GamingLeaksAndRumors subreddit seems ripe with this sentiment, where players are voicing concerns about the potential awkwardness of hearing their own voices in virtual worlds.

It's important to note that, as of now, the technology remains a patent, and its actual implementation in EA games is yet to be confirmed.

Whether this voice synthesis technology becomes a staple in the gaming industry or faces resistance from players concerned about the uncanny experience of hearing their own voices in-game remains to be seen.