AI stole Genshin voices HoYoverse wins $112k
In the rapidly evolving landscape of generative artificial intelligence, the question of ownership and copyright is becoming increasingly complicated. Yet, in a fascinating legal skirmish, a major game developer seems to have secured a surprising victory, proving that even the most sophisticated AI can’t steal the identity of beloved fictional worlds.
The case involves HoYoverse, the creative powerhouse behind massively popular titles like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, who recently triumphed over an unnamed AI service provider in a Shanghai court. The dispute centered on the unauthorized use of their intellectual property, specifically their character designs and voices, by the AI company.
The AI provider was accused of wrongfully reproducing the voices of 63 Genshin Impact characters without permission. Beyond just voice cloning, the AI company was also found to have used modified images of the anime characters to promote its voice packs. The court determined that this was not just a simple infringement, but an act of unjust competition.
The legal ruling highlighted that the AI’s actions went beyond simple mimicry. The court noted that the AI service presented slightly altered versions of the characters as “chatty virtual avatars,” suggesting a far more intimate and infringing use of the characters’ likenesses than standard usage.
Consequently, the Pudong New Area People’s Court of Shanghai ordered the AI company to cease its infringing behaviors. While HoYoverse secured a win, the compensation reached approximately 750,000 Chinese Yuan, or about $112,000. This was a smaller settlement than the initial demand made by HoYoverse, which sought a larger amount, underscoring the court’s finding that the AI’s actions represented a clear violation of IP rights.
The legal outcome sends a clear message to the generative AI industry: mimicking the voices and aesthetics of established franchises comes with serious legal repercussions. For developers like HoYoverse, this verdict serves as a strong reminder that copyright landmines remain active, even when dealing with the hyper-realistic and creative capabilities of AI. It suggests that the creative foundations of games and media are still protected, no matter how advanced the technology becomes.
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