AI voice cloning and its impact on gaming mods
In early 2023, attention turned to an AI neural network developed by ElevenLabs that can imitate a voice after hearing a brief audio sample. The tool gained popularity within the modding community, notably among creators for Skyrim. Initially, it served as a way to voice the game’s central character, but it soon became a foundation for a new wave of mods that altered how characters speak and interact with players.
Nexus Mods hosts numerous mods powered by ElevenLabs AI. Creators frequently duplicate the voices of actresses who originally provided in‑game dialogue. Names such as Corri English, Colin Delaney, and Susan Eisenberg appear among the most referenced voice sources. With these modifications, new heroines emerge in the game world, enabling conversations on topics that push toward adult themes. This shift raises questions about consent, ownership, and the boundaries of creative reuse in interactive media (VG Times).
Public discourse on this topic intensified after a Twitter user highlighted several instances where voices were used without explicit permission in mods. The threads drew reactions from many in the voice acting community. When the matter was raised, several actors publicly addressed the issue and clarified their positions on biometric data use and consent in AI projects (VG Times).
Eliza Gabrielli, known for her role as Maven Black-Briar in the Skyrim universe, commented on the situation, noting concern and a desire to be considered in cases where her performances might be used in new ways in the game world (VG Times).
Ben Diskin, who contributed to The Elder Scrolls Online, urged fans to inform him if his voice appears in any unauthorized work so that it can be removed, emphasizing his non‑consent for biometric voice synthesis in mods (VG Times).
Abbey Veffer, who has worked with Genshin Impact and The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom, spoke firmly about lack of consent for voice use in AI applications, stressing ethical boundaries in vocal cloning and media creation (VG Times).
Ryan Laughton, involved with Diablo 4 and other projects, voiced serious concerns about the broader implications of AI voice cloning, describing the trend as alarming and out of control in the eyes of many players and creators (VG Times).
Meanwhile, industry observers noted that the broader gaming market continues to grow. Reports indicated that a major game franchise, led by industry veterans, had achieved widespread commercial success with tens of millions of copies sold, underscoring the sized audience for content and collaborations in this space (VG Times).
In a lighter note, a collaboration between Old Spice and a popular fantasy franchise celebrated a new season release, illustrating how cross‑brand partnerships can intersect with gaming culture to reach diverse audiences and boost engagement across platforms (VG Times).
Overall, the scene illustrates a tension between creative experimentation and ethical boundaries. As AI tools become more capable, the debate over consent, attribution, and the use of real voices in synthetic media continues to evolve, prompting calls for clearer guidelines and stricter permissions for voice likenesses in games and mods (VG Times).