Ashly Burch Addresses Leaked AI Aloy Video from ‘Horizon’ Series
The world of video game acting is facing some big changes, and not everyone’s happy about it. Ashly Burch, the voice behind Aloy in the ‘Horizon’ series, recently spoke out after a video surfaced showing an AI version of her character. This tech demo has sparked a lot of talk, and Burch isn’t holding back on how she feels.
She made it clear that the AI-powered Aloy didn’t use any of her actual work. The developers at Guerrilla, who make the ‘Horizon’ games, even reached out to assure her of that. Still, she’s got worries. It’s not about her own role or the ‘Horizon’ team specifically. Instead, she’s thinking bigger—about what this kind of technology could mean for the future of acting in games.
Burch has been a key part of the ‘Horizon’ franchise since it kicked off with ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ in 2017. She brought Aloy to life again in ‘Horizon Forbidden West’ and even took on a fresh, fun version of the character in ‘LEGO Horizon Adventures.’ Her work has earned her plenty of praise, and she’s no stranger to the industry, with roles in games like ‘Borderlands’ and shows like ‘Mythic Quest’ on Apple TV.
What’s got her concerned is how AI might change the art of game performance. She’s part of SAG-AFTRA, the union fighting for actors’ rights, and they’re in the middle of a push to protect video game performers. The group’s been on strike since last summer, trying to get solid rules about how AI can be used. They want actors to have a say—and fair pay—if their voices or movements get copied by tech like this.
The leaked demo came from Sony, showing off what their advanced tech team has been cooking up. It’s not something headed to a game anytime soon, but it’s a peek at where things could go. Imagine chatting with Aloy in real-time, powered by AI instead of a human voice. Cool for some, sure, but for Burch, it’s a red flag about keeping the human touch in gaming.
We’ve seen AI pop up more and more lately. It’s already helping with things like animations and even voices in some projects. But for actors like Burch, the fear is real—could this tech one day replace them? SAG-AFTRA is working hard to make sure that doesn’t happen without clear agreements in place.
Burch’s take isn’t just about her own career. She’s speaking up for everyone in the field, worried that the craft she loves could lose its soul. With the ‘Horizon’ series still growing—Aloy’s next big adventure is always on our minds—her voice carries weight. For now, she’s standing with her union, pushing back against a future where AI might call the shots.