AI Helps CD Projekt Revive Geralt's Original Polish Voice After Stroke

CD Projekt is preparing to release Songs of the Past, a new expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, but for the Polish version, they faced a unique challenge. Jacek Rozenek, the iconic voice of Geralt in all Polish Witcher games, had a stroke in 2019 that significantly altered his voice. While he recovered enough to record new lines, his voice had become deeper and rougher, creating a jarring contrast with his original performance from over a decade ago.

To solve this, CD Projekt turned to Respeecher, an AI voice company, with Rozenek's full blessing. The goal was to make his current recordings sound like his younger voice, matching the timeline of the expansion which takes place during the main game. Rozenek provided the performance, and AI models were trained to adjust the tone and clarity, a process that took dozens of hours. The team focused on capturing his emotional range—shouts, laughter, and subtle half-tones—while minimizing digital artifacts.

A Special Case, Not a New Normal

This isn't CD Projekt's first collaboration with Respeecher; they previously used the technology to recreate the voice of a deceased actor for Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, with family consent. However, the studio emphasizes this was a special situation driven by Rozenek's health. Localization producer Mikołaj Szwed told Game File that the English voice of Geralt, Doug Cockle, will not be altered, and any future Witcher games set later in the timeline would not need such adjustments, as an older voice could be explained by the character's age.

The use of AI in voice acting remains a hot-button issue, with many performers concerned about job security and consent. This instance stands out because it involved an actor's active participation and a clear artistic need for consistency. Rozenek himself expressed trust in the developers and satisfaction with the result, noting that the goal was simply to sound like himself from 12 years ago.

What This Means for Players

For Polish fans, the AI-enhanced voice ensures a seamless experience that honors Rozenek's original portrayal. It also opens a broader conversation about how technology can assist actors facing health challenges without replacing them. But where should the line be drawn? Should AI only be used with explicit permission and for continuity, or does this risk normalizing a practice that could undermine voice actors' livelihoods?

What do you think about using AI to restore an actor's voice in such specific cases? Is this a respectful use of technology or a step toward something more troubling? Share your thoughts below.