The French voice cast of Apex Legends has declined contracts due to an "unacceptable" clause related to AI

Apex Legends' Wraith — Image credit: Respawn / EA

Voice actors for the French edition of Apex Legends have reportedly declined to approve contracts that would permit their voices to be utilized in AI training.

Pascale Chemin, known for voicing the French character Wraith since the game's launch in 2019, shared on Facebook that she and 31 other colleagues decided against signing agreements prior to a scheduled recording session. Although she didn't mention Respawn's publisher EA directly, her statement implied their involvement.

"Prior to being summoned for a game recording, we received an annex about confidentiality and rights transfer from the publisher," Chemin explained, with a translation provided by ResetEra (via PCGamesInsider).

She elaborated that a legal expert in audiovisual matters advised that the terms were unacceptable. As a result, she had to step down from her longtime role, hoping that a collective refusal by the group might trigger change. Ultimately, all 32 actors declined and collectively expressed their dissent to the publisher, likely EA.

"It's crucial for us to unite to ensure protective clauses for our voices are integrated into our contracts, not only for us but for dubbing studios across the gaming industry," Chemin noted.

She acknowledged the difficulty of rejecting work due to financial constraints faced by many in the profession, stating, "We're asked not just to work, but to contribute to the AI technologies poised to replace us."

As of now, there has been no response from EA or Respawn regarding the situation. Both parties have been contacted for comments.

In December, Activision substituted some voice actors for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 during the SAG-AFTRA strike. Unlike their counterparts in film and TV, where production halts can occur, interactive media projects continue under certain provisions. Although daily contract members may strike in solidarity, Activision was within its rights to make casting changes for a project starting before July 2024.