EA Sports started cloning commentator's voice for NHL 27 - new announcer is not against it

EA Sports used AI to clone the voice of the new NHL 27 commentator, John Buccigross, who himself approved the technology and personally reviews the generated lines.

EA used artificial intelligence to create some of the lines for the new NHL 27 commentator, John Buccigross, who himself supported the decision.

Buccigross said on the Chirping Zebras podcast that recording commentary for a sports game is much more monotonous than it seems. In addition to all the players' last names, dozens of reactions to different game situations have to be recorded.

Therefore, EA started using AI to create new lines based on his voice. After hearing the first examples, the commentator was surprised by the quality:

However, the AI does not work completely autonomously. Buccigross listens to the generated phrases and makes corrections.

Previously, EA used similar technology in EA Sports FC with the consent of Guy Mowbray. The company emphasizes that AI should assist commentators, not replace them.