“Halo’s Steve Downes Opposes AI Cloning of His Voice”

Taylor Keatsman

Published: January 25, 2026 7:41 PM ET

Steve Downes, the voice behind Master Chief in the Halo franchise, has voiced his concerns about the use of generative AI to clone voices, including his own. During a YouTube AMA session, Downes mentioned that he has encountered content online where his voice has been replicated using this technology. Although he deems voice cloning to be mostly harmless, he is wary of how it could negatively impact actors’ careers.

Steve Downes Opposes AI Cloning of His Voice

Downes expressed his desire for fans to refrain from using AI to imitate his voice. He appreciates fan projects driven by genuine enthusiasm but feels uncomfortable with the idea of AI-generated content misleading audiences into believing he has voiced specific lines. This concern exemplifies a broader apprehension among voice actors regarding generative AI.

Concerns Among Voice Actors

The use of generative AI in voice over (VO) has raised significant issues in the industry. In a notable instance from last year, a Sony test demo featured a bot with the voice of Aloy, a character from the Horizon game series. The actress Ashly Burch, who voices Aloy, later clarified that while the bot was not created using her voice data, she remained concerned about potential implications for the art of voice acting.

The Growing Influence of Generative AI

Generative AI has begun to permeate various sectors, including gaming. Microsoft, the parent company of Xbox, is actively investing in AI to enhance its game development processes. This stance has drawn criticism from both developers and gamers who are skeptical about the technology’s impact on creative occupations.

Halo’s Development and AI Involvement

There is controversy surrounding the potential use of AI in the upcoming title, Halo: Campaign Evolved.
Reports have emerged suggesting that the game may incorporate generative AI techniques.
However, Halo Studios has been vague, insisting the technology is merely an option rather than a necessity.

As discussions around AI cloning escalate, figures like Steve Downes stand at the forefront, advocating for the rights of voice actors and the integrity of their work. The gaming community continues to watch closely as these technologies evolve and reshape the landscape of voice acting.