EA generates John Buccigross lines

EA Sports’ use of generative AI in NHL 27 commentary appears to have moved from fan suspicion to on-the-record confirmation. John Buccigross, the ESPN broadcaster who joins Darren Pang as one of the game’s new voices, said EA used AI for some of his lines, according to podcast remarks reported Monday. A social post from creator Thrash94Gaming then pushed the issue across X, where users circulated gameplay clips and argued over whether the synthetic delivery was obvious or acceptable. ### Where did the AI claim come from? John Buccigross said on the Chirping Zebras podcast that EA had used AI with his voice for the game, according to IGN’s report on the interview. “They’re using some AI now; they played me some stuff back of my voice,” Buccigross said, adding, “It’s like ‘Wow, that’s pretty good!’” He also said, “If that means less work but the same check, I’ll take it,” while noting that AI can still get things wrong. (in.ign.com) IGN reported that the podcast comments were first highlighted by Insider Gaming’s Mike Straw. The remarks are the clearest public acknowledgment so far that at least part of NHL 27’s commentary workflow involved generative AI rather than only conventional studio recording. ### What has EA said publicly about NHL 27 commentary? (in.ign.com) EA Sports’ NHL 27 features page promotes Buccigross and Pang as a “new commentary team” and says the game includes “updated play-by-play and analysis,” “more natural reactions,” and “improved flow.” The company’s public marketing page does not mention generative AI in that description. EA has also positioned the new booth as a presentation upgrade for this year’s game. (in.ign.com) The official features page says Buccigross and Pang bring “fresh perspective, energy, and insight to every game,” language that frames the commentary as one of the title’s headline additions. ### Why are players talking about it now? A Monday X post from Thrash94Gaming, identified in the source briefing as post 2097091452828258727, became a focal point for the discussion after linking clips and replies about the commentary. (ea.com) The social briefing tied that post directly to the claim that EA Sports used AI to generate Buccigross voice lines for NHL 27. Rectify Gaming reported that fans had already been criticizing the flow of NHL 27 commentary and linked that reaction to Buccigross’ podcast comments. Its report said the game entered Early Access on September 4 and described negative player impressions around presentation and continuity from prior editions. ### Is the whole commentary track AI-generated? (in.ign.com) EA’s public materials do not say that the entire commentary track was generated by AI. Buccigross’ own description, as reported by IGN, points instead to partial use — “some AI now” — rather than a fully synthetic booth. The available reporting also does not establish how many lines were generated, whether Darren Pang’s voice was handled the same way, or what safeguards EA used before shipping the final build. (rectifygaming.com) Those details had not been disclosed in the sources reviewed. ### What happens next for NHL 27 players? (in.ign.com) NHL 27 is scheduled to release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on September 11, with Early Access for Deluxe Edition owners having started on September 4, according to EA and IGN. That broader release will give more players a chance to hear the commentary in full and compare the circulated clips with their own gameplay. (in.ign.com) X users can still trace Monday’s debate through post 2097091452828258727 and its replies, while EA’s NHL 27 features pages remain the company’s main public description of the new Buccigross-Pang presentation package. (ea.com)