Video game voice star Troy Baker says 'only humans' can make art

April 18, 2026 - 01:49

In a world increasingly captivated by artificial intelligence, a leading voice from the video game industry has issued a passionate defense of human creativity. Troy Baker, the acclaimed performer behind iconic characters like Joel in The Last of Us, has stated his firm belief that "only humans" can truly make art.

Baker, whose voice has defined some of gaming's most memorable roles, argues that while AI can replicate and remix, it lacks the essential human experience that fuels genuine artistry. He suggests that art is born from a confluence of lived emotion, personal history, and conscious intent—qualities he sees as uniquely human. For Baker, the creative act is inextricably linked to the artist's own journey, their vulnerabilities, and their capacity to connect with others on a profound, emotional level.

His comments arrive during a significant industry debate on the use of AI in creative fields. While some see the technology as a tool for efficiency, many artists, including Baker, view it as a potential threat to the soul of storytelling. He emphasizes that the imperfections, the risks, and the personal stakes involved in human creation are what make art resonate. According to Baker, removing the human element strips away the very meaning and connection that audiences seek, asserting that no algorithm can replicate the heart behind a performance or the story behind a brushstroke.