CD Projekt Red has made a groundbreaking decision to use AI-powered voice generation in their upcoming expansion to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, dubbed Songs of the Past. The move comes after Polish voice actor Jacek Rozenek, who played Geralt of Rivia in the original game, suffered a stroke that altered his voice. To maintain continuity and authenticity in Rozenek’s iconic performance, CD Projekt Red has turned to Respeecher, an AI voice generator they’ve used before in Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty expansion.
The decision to use AI was not taken lightly, with CD Projekt Red going to great lengths to ensure that Rozenek was comfortable with the technology. In fact, Rozenek himself agreed to the plan, allowing the studio to use his previous recordings and AI-generated voices in tandem to create a seamless experience for players. This approach is a testament to the studio’s commitment to preserving the original voice acting while also acknowledging the impact of Rozenek’s health on his performance.
The process involved training Respeecher on Rozenek’s extensive library of voice recordings from previous Witcher games, allowing the AI to learn and mimic his unique tone and cadence. CD Projekt Red’s localization producer, Mikołaj Szwed, emphasized that this was an exceptional case, with consent being a crucial factor in using AI-generated voices. Szwed noted that this approach not only preserves Rozenek’s legacy but also demonstrates the potential for AI to be used ethically and creatively.
The use of AI voice generation raises intriguing questions about the future of voice acting in games. Will we see more developers leveraging AI-powered solutions to preserve original performances or create new, authentic voices? The success of this project could pave the way for innovative applications of AI in game development, allowing studios to push the boundaries of storytelling and character performance.
As CD Projekt Red prepares to release Songs of the Past, fans are eagerly anticipating how Rozenek’s iconic voice will be recreated. This bold experiment is a testament to the studio’s dedication to their IP and commitment to preserving the essence of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. With this forward-thinking approach, CD Projekt Red is setting a new standard for the use of AI in game development, one that prioritizes both artistic integrity and technological innovation.
The implications of this project extend far beyond the world of The Witcher, however. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more applications in the field of voice acting. This may lead to new opportunities for actors who have struggled with vocal changes over time, as well as fresh approaches to character creation and narrative storytelling. Ultimately, CD Projekt Red’s use of AI-powered voice generation is a step forward in the evolution of game development, one that showcases the potential for innovative collaboration between humans and machines.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-11-13