EA is using genAI for commentator voiceover in NHL 27
Electronic Arts has confirmed it is using generative AI voice technology in NHL 27’s commentary, developed through full collaboration with play-by-play commentator John Buccigross and analyst Darren Pang. The AI builds upon over 50 existing recording sessions with both commentators, who have actively participated in and consented to the development process.
According to EA’s statement, the AI implementation aims to expand commentary variety, enable faster reactions to league changes, and incorporate player feedback more rapidly than traditional methods. The first game update includes corrections to player-name pronunciations and fixes for repetitive commentary lines. EA plans to continue expanding coverage of player and city names in future updates.
Buccigross himself confirmed the collaboration on the Chirping Zebras Podcast, describing the AI voice replicas as convincingly realistic. The approach represents an early example of consensual AI voice synthesis in major sports games, with EA positioning the technology as complementary to the human commentators’ ongoing contributions rather than as a replacement.