AI is rapidly becoming a central aspect of our lives and careers. Yet, Neil Newbon—the voice behind Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3—strongly critiques its effectiveness in acting, labeling it as “garbage”. He discussed his views during a conversation with Radio Times Gaming, asserting that AI lacks the spontaneity and unpredictability that often make performances memorable.

“It’s rubbish. It doesn’t work very well. It takes a lot of effort to get something that’s half decent,” he explained, emphasizing the dissatisfaction within the gaming development community towards AI-driven performances.

According to Newbon, the essence of acting lies in the unexpected moments that arise during filming, which AI simply cannot replicate. He illustrated this point with a classic scene featuring Dustin Hoffman in Midnight Cowboy, highlighting the iconic line, “I’m walking here!” which emerged as a result of an unforeseen incident during shooting.

In his critique, Newbon reminds us that great moments in films, television, and theater often occur by chance, contributing to the authenticity of storytelling. Despite advancements in AI technology, he maintains that the magic found in human performances is irreplaceable.

For more on AI developments and their implications in various industries, stay tuned for continued updates.