Category: Video Games

Grand Theft Auto voice actor Ned Luke, who played Michael De Santa in GTA 5, has called out a “f**king bulls**t” AI chatbot that used his voice.

As reported by PCGamesN, Luke responded to a post on X/Twitter from AI company WAME for promoting a chatbot that let users have “a realistic voice conversation with Michael De Santa.” WAME quickly removed the chatbot following Luke’s post, saying “this incident has highlighted the intricate interplay between the advancement of AI technology and the ethical and legal realms.”

Luke didn’t mince words in his post. “This is f**king bulls**t WAME,” he said. “Absolutely nothing cool about ripping people off with some lame computer estimation of my voice. Don’t waste your time on this garbage.”

He also tagged Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar Games and actors union Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) in his response, and WAME quickly removed the chatbot and all promotional materials for it from the internet.

It also responded to PCGamesN: “In light of the recent controversy surrounding the utilization of Mr Ned Luke’s voice in our application, we at WAME wish to express our profound understanding and concern,” it said. “This incident has highlighted the intricate interplay between the advancement of AI technology and the ethical and legal realms.”

“WAME commits to protecting the rights of voice actors and creators while advancing ethical AI practices. We believe this controversy serves as a pivotal moment in harmonizing AI technology with relevant legal statutes.”

Luke is the latest in a long line of video game voice actors to address the threat of AI and share how it impacts them. The Witcher voice actor Doug Cockle recently told IGN that AI was “inevitable” but “dangerous”, sharing in Luke’s assessment that chatbots and similar uses are “effectively robbing [voice actors] of income.”

Video games have endured a complicated relationship with AI in recent years. Embark Studios, the developer of smash hit shooter The Finals, was criticised for using AI voiceovers by myriad actors and even other developers, for example. Embark told IGN that “making games without actors isn’t an end goal” and claimed it uses a mix of both recorded audio voices and audio generated via AI text to speech tools for its games, however.

Video game voice actors previously called out AI-generated explicit Skyrim mods, and Assassin’s Creed Syndicate voice actress Victoria Atkin called AI-generated mods the “invisible enemy we’re fighting right now” after discovering her voice was used by cloning software. Paul Eiding, the voice actor behind Colonel Campbell in the Metal Gear Solid series, also condemned its use.

Ironically, the biggest developer to use AI for voice acting so far is The Witcher studio CD Projekt Red, though this was only done to replace a deceased voice actor after gaining permission from the family.

Looking to counter chatbots like the Grand Theft Auto one, Cissy Jones, a voice actor known for her roles in Disney’s Owl House, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, Shin Megami Tensei 5, and more, has started a company called Morpheme.ai to let voice actors embrace AI in their own way and gain control of their own voices going forward.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.

We’ve rattled on about micro SD card deals in the past but this might be one of the best we’ve ever seen for Nintendo Switch owners. The 128GB SanDisk SD card is down to just $8.99 at Amazon (see here), a significant markdown from its original $34.99 MSRP and a reasonable reduction vs. its average $14-15 price most recently.

These officially Nintendo-licenced SanDisk SD cards look cool but typically have a significant markup when compared to a regular SanDisk model. But, that is not the case this time, and this is legitimately the best deal you can currently get on a micro SD memory card for a portable console like the Switch.

This is one of those standout deals where we have to mention that it could expire or sell out at any time, due to its significant value. If you just got a Switch over the holiday period or even gifted one, this is the perfect next step in ensuring a digital library is available at all times.

The nearest comparison for alternate options for expanding your Switch’s internal memory is the SanDisk 128GB Ultra microSDXC for $12.99, or the Samsung Evo Select 128GB A2 microSDXC for $15.50 (which is slightly more futureproof vs. the previous two). For even more Switch deals, check out our complete Nintendo deals round-up featuring discounts on games, accessories, Switch online memberships, and more.

IGN has gathered a number of details about the rumored Switch 2 console in the meantime, which analysts have been predicting would launch this year, and there were rumors that Nintendo was demoing the console to partners behind closed doors at last year’s Gamescom. We also know that Nintendo briefed Activision on a Switch successor in late 2022.

Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.

Square Enix has once again showcased Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s speedy fast travel system, which lets players zip across the enormous map in just a few seconds.

In a tweet showcasing the fast travel, below, Square Enix said players can “instantly” move to specific bases, such as cities or Chocobo stops, in various locations.

We see the player select a fast travel location quite some distance away from their starting point and, after a few seconds, appear at their destination ready to roll. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s fast travel system rekindles memories of Spider-Man 2’s fast travel, which is similarly speedy.

【フィールド移動：ファストトラベル】

街など特定の拠点や各地のチョコボストップには、ファストトラベルで即座に移動することができます。 道に迷って元の場所に戻りたいときなど、上手く活用して冒険を進めましょう。#FF7 #FF7R #FF7リバース pic.twitter.com/WfQG2PF87b

— FFVII REMAKE (@FFVIIR_CLOUD) January 14, 2024

Meanwhile, the clip also acts as a reminder that Rebirth’s map is set to be pretty huge. The cursor movement seems a tad slow, however, although it’s hard to tell if this is made slow for the demonstration.

Last month, Square Enix said Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth features “totally new cities” not seen in the original PlayStation game. Previous trailers have shown familiar locations such as Bugenhagen’s planetarium at Cosmo Canyon, the Mythril Mine, the Cargo Ship, the inn at Kalm, and the Nibelheim Reactor.

Square Enix had previously confirmed Rebirth features new story content centred around Zack, and perhaps even incorporates backstory for Sephiroth included in mobile game Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis.

An ESBR rating also revealed some wild and wacky details about the game, including its deep cleavage, pools of blood, and a potential clue to Aerith’s fate. And Square Enix dropped a ton of story details, screenshots, and more in a big update in November 2023.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launches exclusively on PlayStation 5 on February 29.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Eddy is Tekken 8’s first DLC character, Bandai Namco has announced.

The veteran Tekken character launches at some point this spring, as revealed in a new video showing off Tekken 8’s opening movie.

Eddy sports a new high-top dreads hairstyle and a new outfit for Tekken 8, although his capoeira fighting style is present and correct.

The video reveals four DLC characters are currently planned for season 1, the first of which is Eddy. Another follows in summer, another in the autumn, then the fourth in the winter.

As for the opening movie, it’s more of a character montage rather than a story set-up, with over-the-top expressions from the many characters packed into the clip.

We see familiar faces as well as a few newcomers, but the ongoing conflict between Jin and Kazuya remains the focus. If you need a Tekken catch-up (at this stage, who doesn’t?), check out the Tekken 8 story so far explainer from none other than Succession’s Brian Cox.

Tekken 8, due out on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC on January 26, sees the return of the famous fighting game franchise following Tekken 7’s release in 2015. Check out IGN’s Tekken 8 Final Preview to see how it’s shaping up.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

2024 is off to an exciting start, and there are some exciting deals that have gone live now that the holiday season has long passed. From video games to PC accessories, there is no shortage of deals you don’t want to miss out on. The best deals for Sunday, January 14, include an Anker 60,000mAh Power Bank, Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Controller, Street Fighter 6 Collector’s Edition, Elgato HD60 X, Persona 5 Tactica, and more!

Anker 60,000mAh 192Wh Power Bank for $114.99

This massive Anker power bank is a solid option if you need some extra juice on your next road trip or getaway. With a 60,000mAh capacity, you can charge an iPhone 14 Pro Max up to 7.4 times or a MacBook Air 2.9 times. This power bank is made for activities like camping, as it has a built-in light at the top that you can retract up and down. Additionally, you can recharge the device with onboard solar panels, so you can continue to power your devices regardless of how long your trip is.

Save $44 Off This Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Controller

This deal from Walmart on the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller is one you can’t miss. Widely regarded as one of the best controllers on the market, the Elite Series 2 has so many great features you can use to your advantage. This includes modifying the tension of the thumbsticks, creating custom button profiles, and so much more. The Core version of the Elite Series 2 controller allows for a cheaper price point with less premium outer materials and textures. Additionally, you won’t get the paddles or charging dock in the box, so you’ll need to buy those separately if you’d like them.

$120 Off This Centr Adjustable Dumbbell Pair

If you’re in the market for a solid pair of reliable dumbbells, this pair of Centr Adjustable Dumbbells is perfect for you. With this adjustable pair, you can switch between 5lbs and 50lbs on each dumbbell. This saves a ton of space in your home gym, as ten pairs of potential dumbbells are now just one. If you grab this deal, you’ll also get a three month Centr membership. This will give you plenty of assistance with nutrition, training, and more from the Centr team.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition on Sale for $40

Amazon has the Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition listed for $39.97. If you got a PlayStation 5 for the holidays, you should play the first two Spider-Man games before you jump into Spider-Man 2. This is an amazing deal since you’re essentially getting both Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Spider-Man Remastered for $20 each. Both rarely go on sale for that low, so this is your best option to pick up these games.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns for $19.99

You can grab one of the best tactical RPGs of 2022 on Amazon at a discount right now. Marvel’s Midnight Suns features a unique cast of Marvel characters with plenty of fan favorites, such as Iron Man, Wolverine, and more. We gave the game an 8/10 in our review, stating the game “makes excellent use of card game mechanics to keep battles fresh, evolving, and unpredictable over the course of an epic-length campaign.”

Elgato HD60 X for $158

A capture card is an essential piece of technology for anyone looking to produce video content of some sort. Whether it be for YouTube, Twitch, or even TikTok, this Elgato HD60 X will allow you to take your content to the next level. The HD60 X has support for the latest consoles, so you’ll be good to go with recording your PS5 or Xbox Series X. Additionally, you can record in either 1080p60 or 4K30, both of which at incredibly low latency.

Save 75% Off the JLab Talk Pro USB Microphone

A great USB microphone can make a huge difference in your audio quality in voice calls, voice recordings, and so much more. The JLab Talk Pro features 192kHz/24BIT audio, which is assisted by three condensers and four directional pattern modes to pick up your voice regardless of where you’re located. The four included modes are Cardioid, Omni, Stereo, and Bidirectional. You can change the mode with the press of a button, making the JLab Talk Pro a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a new microphone.

Save $20 Off Super Mario Maker 2

Super Mario Maker 2 is one of the most creative titles available on the Nintendo Switch. Building off its predocessor, this game has so many different options to create Mario courses you could once only imagine. There’s even a Zelda powerup available, where you can transform Mario into an 8-bit Link and traverse the course with a sword.

Street Fighter 6 Collector’s Edition for $99.99

If you either haven’t picked up Street Fighter 6 yet or loved the game, Woot has the Collector’s Edition available for a significant discount. For $99.99, you’ll get two Pop Up Parade figures of Luke and Kimberly, the Mad Gear Box, an Artbook, a Sticker Set, Figure Diorama Boards, a copy of Street Fighter 6, and a code for the Year 1 Ultimate Pass. Both Xbox Series X and PlayStation 4 variants of the Collector’s Edition are available. This deal won’t last forever, so pick it up while you can!

Lowest Price Yet for Persona 5 Tactica

Amazon has Persona 5 Tactica listed for $34.99, which is an even better deal than Black Friday. This action-packed adventure takes the Phantom Thieves into a new adventure with tactical combat. If you enjoyed Persona 5 Royal or Persona 5 Strikers, P5 Tactica should be a game on your radar. Erina, a character new to the series, is a great addition to an already amazing cast of characters.

Yoshi’s Crafted World for $39.99

If you didn’t own a Nintendo Switch before 2020, you might not be aware that Yoshi got a game on the system in 2019! Yoshi’s Crafted World is a bright platformer where each stage has two different paths. Once you complete one run of the stage, the entire thing flips, and you’ll see the backside with all sorts of secrets and hidden items. There’s some suggestion that this title could be going out of print, so grab it while you can!

Apple AirPods Pro with USB Type-C for $189.99

Amazon has dropped the price of the 2nd gen Apple AirPods Pro truly wireless noise cancelling earbuds with the universal USB Type-C connector by $60, now only $189. With this current gen AirPods Pro, Apple has replaced the proprietary Lightning port with the more universal USB Type-C. For people who want to bring along a single charging cable for all of their mobile devices, this is a godsend.

19% Off the Returnal Original Soundtrack Vinyl

If you were a fan of Housemarque’s Returnal, check out this deal on the Returnal OST vinyl! A total of nine tracks are available on this single LP, with a gorgeous front cover that displays Selene Vassos. The vinyl itself is pressed on gold semi-translucent material, making this a record you should add to your collection.