EA Admits to Using AI Voices in NHL 27

Did you notice something different about the commentary in NHL 27? Well, you weren't imagining it. Electronic Arts has admitted that it used AI voices in the game, specifically for the announcers. According to the company, the AI voices were developed with "full consent and active collaboration" from in-game announcers John Buccigross and Darren Pang.

In a statement, EA explained that the process allows them to "bring more variety to the game." That's a pretty interesting take, especially with all the debate around AI in gaming right now. But EA is making it clear that this wasn't a shady move—Buccigross and Pang were fully on board.

For those who don't know, John Buccigross and Darren Pang are real-life hockey commentators. Buccigross is a longtime ESPN anchor and hockey host, while Pang is a former NHL goaltender turned broadcaster. So having their voices in the game is a big deal for authenticity.

But using AI to generate their voices? That's a new level. EA says the tech was used to create more variation in the commentary, which makes sense—nobody wants to hear the same lines over and over. With AI, they can generate different phrases and reactions without needing the announcers to record every single possibility.

Still, it's a touchy subject. Some fans might feel uneasy about AI taking over voice work, even if the original announcers gave their blessing. Others might see it as a cool way to keep the commentary fresh. Either way, it's a sign of things to come in game development.

EA's admission comes at a time when AI is becoming more prevalent in gaming. From AI-generated art to AI-driven NPCs, the industry is experimenting with new tech. But voice acting is a particularly sensitive area, given the concerns about job displacement and ethical use.

In this case, though, EA seems to have taken the right steps by getting consent from Buccigross and Pang. That's a key detail—it's not like they just cloned their voices without asking. The announcers were part of the process, which hopefully sets a precedent for how AI should be used in games.

So, what do you think? Are you okay with AI voices in NHL 27 if the announcers agreed to it? Or does it still feel a bit off? Let us know in the comments!