Games · 2026-11-12
Ukrainian startup Respeecher helps restore the Polish Geralt's voice for The Witcher 3's new expansion
CD Projekt Red used AI from Ukrainian company Respeecher to keep Geralt's voice consistent in the new expansion Songs of the Past, even though actor Jacek Rozenek's voice changed after a stroke.
What happened
Polish studio CD Projekt Red used AI technology from Ukrainian company Respeecher to preserve Geralt of Rivia's sound in the new expansion Songs of the Past for The Witcher 3. The expansion will be released in 2027.
Jacek Rozenek has voiced Geralt in Polish since the first game in 2007. In 2019 he had a stroke and could not speak for several months. After long rehabilitation, his voice remained changed: it became lower and hoarser.
Why AI was needed
CD Projekt Red said such a voice might suit an older Geralt in a future The Witcher 4, but not Songs of the Past. The expansion takes place in the same era as the base game, so new lines will play alongside old recordings. The difference would be noticeable.
With the actor's consent, the studio turned to Respeecher. The company's specialists will analyze 10,000 archival lines recorded for the base game in 2014.
How it works
Rozenek will record all the new dialogue himself. Respeecher's algorithms only adjust the timbre to match his original sound, while his acting intonation stays intact. The technology does not replace the actor; it helps keep the character's voice consistent.
Rozenek supported this approach: "I can play this role. Of course, it's very good that this voice will be brought into line." CD Projekt Red says this is an example of ethical use of AI in game development, where the technology helps the artist rather than replacing them.
Earlier work
Respeecher had already worked with CD Projekt Red in 2023. The team recreated the voice of the late Polish actor Miłogost Reczek for the role of the ripperdoc Viktor Vector in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, after receiving permission from the actor's family.
Useful from the source
- Polygon article on the news — English-language report on the story, linking to the interview where the voice work is described.
- Game File interview — The original interview, cited by Polygon, about the work on Geralt's voice.
Sources: 🔗 DOU/dev.ua