The voice actors behind Apex Legends’ French version have made headlines by turning down a contract that would have allowed their voices to be used in AI training.
Pascale Chemin, the voice of Wraith in the French localization of the game, took to Twitter to share that a clause had been added to their contracts by a publisher—most likely Electronic Arts—permitting their voices to train AI models. Although Chemin didn’t specify the game or publisher, it’s a strong bet that she’s referencing Apex Legends and EA.
In addition to Chemin, 31 of her fellow voice actors on the project have similarly refused to sign. They’ve even penned a collective letter rejecting the agreement.
“If we don’t unite now to ensure there’s a contract clause protecting our voices, not only for us but for all video game dubbing studios, we risk facing chaos,” Chemin stated, as translated by ResetEra.
While Chemin acknowledges the difficulty of refusing work in today’s market, given that many actors are struggling financially, she argues that the situation is about more than money. “Sure, earning a salary would help,” she noted, “but we’re essentially being asked to surrender our expertise to train AI models that might replace us in the future. It’s like we’re being asked to back something we’re fundamentally opposed to—it’s as if they’re asking us to jeopardize our own careers.”
