From the beginning of mankind, playing has been one of man’s constant activities. Over the millennia, games have evolved and diversified, but their purpose has remained the same: relaxation alone or with loved ones, competing with others and even learning.
Nowadays, the most popular form of playing consists of video games. Whether we play on our phone, tablet, computer or console, games are part of a significant industry worldwide. According to Statista, the U.S. gaming industry in 2017 was valued at more than USD 18 billion, while in 2018 its value was calculated at more than USD 43 billion.
How the Video Game Industry Evolved Through AI Technology
The various fields of application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) offer us the apps and video games that we love today. Through computer vision, machines gain the ability of seeing the world the same way we do. Facial recognition features are getting more and more fine-tuned. That’s how those mobile apps place the mustache on the right spot on your face.
Also, through Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality, video games can detect surfaces on which they can place virtual objects. That’s how Pokemons were always placed on solid ground, instead of loosely levitating. Some video games use object recognition in order to actively alter the gaming scene. This way, the player can enjoy a variety of gaming areas depending on the location that he plays in, on the furniture they have around and so on.
Last but not least, the use of synthetic voices in the gaming industry can be easily applied nowadays to generate a vocalized dialogue only by typing the text and choosing the right range of emotions of that specific scene. As such, using synthetic voices greatly reduces the time and cost factors of traditional voice recording.
Does the Use of Synthetic Voices Pose a Risk to Human Employment?
There are some fears that the use of synthetic voices in the gaming industry will lead to a lower human employment rate. Well, in fact, it’s the other way around. The use of synthetic voices helps voice actors and celebrities work more efficiently. Voice actors can upload samples of their voice on multiple voice marketplaces at the same time. Game developers can then license and use their voices.
When it comes to creating new recordings, the voice generation workflow will be much simplified as the necessary edits will be made without the physical presence of the actor or celebrity in the recording studio. Voice synthesis helps the actors record more and easier and work more efficiently. It helps them work on several projects in different locations at the same time. It does not aim to replace them, but to enhance their work efficiency.
It enables game developers to entice high-demand actors to join their projects, because they will no longer have to spend hundreds of hours in the recording studio. Keep reading to find out more benefits brought on by synthetic voices in the video game industry.
Applications of Synthetic Voices in the Gaming Industry
As voice technologies are increasingly advanced, the use of synthetic voices is not a luxury feature anymore for the gaming industry, but a necessity. The key for a successful video game is the interaction between the game and the gamer.
- Voice Recognition in Video Games
Game developers create and anticipate a variety of scenarios for each sequence of the game plot. Each tiny sequence must be compatible with speech recognition for a more immersive and real experience for the players.
- In-Game Voice Chat
The voice chat feature in video games enables live chat options between multiple players. This provides the interaction between gamers that is so longed for in online games.
- Voice-controlled Games
More and more gamers take great pleasure in telling their characters what to do instead of dealing with all those buttons and keys. Aside from the great pleasure of commanding, this type of game also gives a better focus on the game for the players.
- Smart Assistants as Game Consoles
Smart assistants gain more and more space in our lives. Nowadays, the gaming industry uses them as a new type of game console. In this type of games, players get to control the actions using only their voice.
Voice Cloning in Video Games
Voice cloning offers the possibility to create endless amounts of speech that’s indistinguishable from the original speaker using only a sample of speech from the actor. Game developers rejoice at this new application of synthetic voices in the gaming industry. For instance, by using a voice cloning software as Respeecher, game developers can:
- Bring high-demand actors to their project (as they only have to offer a sample of their voice instead of spending long hours in the recording studio);
- Edit the speech effortlessly during the creative process (the voice actor doesn’t have to come in the recording studio over and over again);
- Organize all the voices in a game in a convenient manner (more voices per actor can be recorded, which means a simpler workflow);
- Resurrect voices from the past (if the actor passed away or quit the project or simply if they want to add a historical voice in the game);
- Replicate children’s voices (working with children can be challenging unless the game developers have an adult actor sound just like a kid);
- Start the project quickly (no more scheduling for the recording studio — they only need a voice sample and things can start moving on).
Conclusion
Given the high costs involved in a successful video game in terms of design, content and voicing, Artificial Intelligence is growing as the right solution to enhance the gaming experience while potentially reducing costs.
Cutting-edge AI developments can free employees from time-consuming tasks and instead give them the opportunity to create better content more easily. Does AI technology tend to replace human employees? Hardly. It just makes their work more efficient.
The applications of synthetic voices in the gaming industry promise a lot both to the game developers and to the players. Voice-controlled games, in-game voice chat applications, smart voice assistants — all these lead to exceptional gaming experiences and a more efficient production process.
The post Applications of Synthetic Voices in the Video Game Industry appeared first on Home Business Magazine.
source https://homebusinessmag.com/management/technology-management/applications-synthetic-voices-video-game-industry/
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