Field trip to 8D Games
Speech tech and gaming
Our recent Voice Tech field trip to 8D Games revealed possibilities at the crossroads of speech technology and gaming. The possibility of using speech synthesis for in-game dialog with NPCs (non-player characters) in open world games — for instance — is tangible. Enhanced expressiveness in speech synthesis not only allows characters to portray emotions more realistically but also paves the way for the voice-cloning of players. This means avatars can engage with NPCs in a way that’s personalized and immersive.
But! The applications of gaming extend beyond entertainment, an insight that was evident during our visit to 8D Games - a pioneer in developing serious games with an educational bend. In these domains, speech technology can contribute to educational and supportive experiences that transcend conventional gaming. Our conversations spanned various topics, including the gamification of support for minority languages like Frisian, the creation of immersive language-learning experiences through XR, and developing assistive communication tools for individuals impeded by disease or disability.
A fruitful discussion ensued, hosted by Johan van der Meulen and Bas Altenburg. There is definitely fertile ground for cooperation between the MSc Voice Tech and 8D Games! No surprise of course, 8D Games was a smash hit at the Speech Tech Summer School 2023.
