Samantha Béart, known for her portrayal of the beloved character Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3, has publicly criticized the increasing use of generative AI in video game development.  Béart argues that the driving force behind this trend is primarily financial, with companies prioritizing cost reduction over the artistic contributions of voice actors and other creatives.

Baldur's Gate 3, released in 2023, garnered significant acclaim for its compelling narrative and well-developed characters. The performances of actors like Béart, Jennifer English (Shadowheart), and Neil Newbon (Astarion) were particularly lauded, breathing life into the game's companions and enriching the player experience.

In a recent interview, Béart expressed concerns that CEOs embracing AI in game development are primarily motivated by cost savings.  "In the long term, it'll damage their reputation, their company, everything," she stated, emphasizing the potential negative consequences of prioritizing short-term financial gains over artistic integrity and the livelihoods of professionals in the industry. She also expressed skepticism that other actors would readily accept the increasing use of AI in the field.

Béart believes that the industry is filled with passionate artists driven by a genuine calling to create, and that this artistic spirit is threatened by financially motivated decisions made by individuals who may not fully appreciate the nuances of game development.  "Why would anyone [in the industry] agree to it?  You'd be signing away your career. We have an industry full of highly artistic individuals who are passionate about their craft, and then you have these individuals driven by profit, who may not even play games, who see this as a quick way to get a return on their investment."

The debate surrounding the use of generative AI in creative industries has intensified in recent years, particularly as the technology becomes more sophisticated and integrated into commercial products.  Recent reports of Sony testing AI-powered versions of PlayStation characters, including Aloy (voiced by Ashly Burch), have further fueled concerns among actors and other creative professionals.  This growing divide between artistic integrity and technological advancement seems poised to continue as the industry grapples with the implications of AI integration.

Béart has previously indicated her interest in reprising her role as Karlach in future Baldur's Gate 3 projects.  Given her strong stance against the use of generative AI, it seems highly likely that her continued involvement would be contingent upon the exclusion of this technology from any such projects.