Cryptocurrency and NFTs continue to ignite firestorms within the video game industry on social media, and actor Troy Baker is the latest to fan the flames.
On Thursday, the actor best known for his role as Joel from The Last Of Us revealed he’s working with Voiceverse NFT. The company, which aims to create AI-generated voiceovers, claims that voice actors will receive royalties for contributing to the technology — however, it’s murky legal waters for various reasons. Regardless, Baker partnering with Voiceverse NFT is rubbing almost everyone the wrong way.
Baker’s announcement, in particular, is upsetting video game fans and industry professionals alike.
I’m partnering with @VoiceverseNFT to explore ways where together we might bring new tools to new creators to make new things, and allow everyone a chance to own & invest in the IP’s they create.
We all have a story to tell.
You can hate.
Or you can create.
What’ll it be? pic.twitter.com/cfDGi4q0AZ— Troy Baker (@TroyBakerVA) January 14, 2022
Particularly the “You can Hate. Or you can create. Which will it be,” line from Baker, which suggests he knew a backlash was incoming.
Anyone that follows video games could see this would happen, though. Virtually every company that’s working on NFT collaborations or cryptocurrency technology within video games is drowning in negative feedback before long. Be it Dead By Daylight fans roasting developer Behaviour Interactive to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl’s studio removing NFTs integration only a day after announcing them. The message is clear: video game fans don’t want NFTs in their hobby.
As such, Baker’s Tweet is awash in, well, hate. You can see some of the most vocal and examples below.