Match of the Day commentator Guy Mowbray has been the main voice at various football (soccer) matches for many years. Having worked on the BBC’s iconic show for over 20 years, he has become one of the sport’s defining voices for thousands of people.
However, commentating a real football game on live broadcast is… very It’s different from providing audio lines for video game series like . EA Sports FCand a report from BBC Sport revealed that EA is using an AI replica of Mowbray’s voice to do some of the work. With Mowbray’s permission, of course.
In the article, Mowbray (whose first video game commentary can be heard in the UEFA Champions League 2001/2002 season on PS2) admits that currently being the voiceover for EA is “a never-ending job”, as it “needs to be constantly updated” with new names constantly joining the beautiful game, along with additional game modes and new terminology.
“Recording and preparing, that’s part of my weekly routine, pretty much every week from November until early July,” Mowbray said. In other words, it’s a big part of the British football season.
But not only does Mowbray have to say the names of hundreds of footballers, he has to say each name multiple times, with different styles, pitches or tones, depending on where they are on the pitch and what they are doing. FC has over 20,000 players and that’s a big challenge. This is where AI comes into play. At least to help name some players.
“AI has long been part of our development pipeline, from animations to gameplay systems, and continues to support our teams in creating a better, more responsive soccer experience,” EA told the BBC, reiterating that the experience still requires a human touch. “…When it comes to commentary and content, it’s always a collaboration with our talent, not a replacement.”
Mowbray has been working with EA on this and advised that “commentary should be at different levels depending on where you are on the pitch, just like you would normally do with commentary.”
“You can’t write a script for me because it has to be my style and how I would say it in real life. So I have to come up with those lines myself. It’s the same with Sue.” [Smith] Collaborative communications will also require 10 different ways to add insight and color. ”
So while this is a very thorough process, it’s not clear if EA is using AI for commentators other than Mowbray. We have reached out to EA for clarification regarding this.
Of course, there are many concerns about the use of AI, especially when it comes to actors and voice actors, with Mass Effect star Jennifer Hale speaking out on the issue in 2024, and numerous strikes by voice actors unions over the years.
What do you think about the use of AI voicework in EA Sports FC? Let us know in the comments.
