Blizzard responds to claims new Overwatch 2 Mercy voice lines are AI

Blizzard has addressed player concerns that Overwatch now has AI-generated voice lines for Mercy after they were flagged by a number of fans. 

As the internet has started to deal with the rise of AI, be it through doctored photos, videos, or audio clips, it has also become a big thing in the world of gaming. 

Developers have, almost always, used artificial intelligence to have them create worlds and backgrounds. However, as it has been on the rise in the last year, players have gotten concerned about a rise in AI use to sell them cosmetics, devs using it to come up with in-game art, as well as replacing their beloved voice actors. 

It has been a sticking point in Call of Duty, especially. Players have been hitting out at the devs for creating holiday-themed art with AI technology. It has also spread to Overwatch 2, with some German fans being concerned about new voicelines for Mercy. 

Overwatch devs respond to ‘AI’ voice lines

The lines, which are in the Gundam event, were flagged by players on the Blizzard forums. “The new German Mercy AI voice is an outrageous disgrace!” one fan claimed. “That’s not Mercy speaking, that’s Windows 95! We want the original voice actress back!” 

Others quickly backed the claims, which prompted Blizzard to respond a few days later on April 30. 

“These voice lines are not AI-generated. Certain localized voice lines in some recent Blizzard game content are currently unavailable or changed. Out of respect for all parties, we will not add new commentary as discussions are ongoing,” Blizzard public relations manager commented. 

“We look forward to a mutually beneficial outcome as soon as possible where we can bring the talents and creative contributions from these performers back into our games for players to enjoy.”

Some players were glad to have things clarified. “I think this is potentially good news,” one replied.

“Hopefully a good solution for all parties will be found as the regular VAs are a part of the success of the game, at least for the German version,” another added.