EA Sports confirms it used generative AI voice tech for commentary in NHL 27

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EA says it used AI voice technology to 'expand' recordings from commentators John Buccigross and Darren Pang 'with their full consent and active collaboration.'

TJ Denzer September 11, 2026 8:30 AM EA Sports 1

EA Sports has admitted to using AI voice technology to expand its library of voice lines from Darren Pang and John Buccigross in NHL 27.

EA shared confirmation of use of AI in NHL 27’s commentary in its most recent update blog and patch notes for the game, where it also defended the use of the technology:

This admission was prompted by the reveal of generative AI tech in NHL 27 by John Buccigross, who appeared on the Chirping Zebras Podcast where he spoke to the use of the controversial technology. “They played me some stuff back in my voice. It's like, wow, that's pretty good. If it means less work and the same check, I'll take it,” Buccigross shared.

Except it’s one of the cons against the game, as shared by Managing Editor and Shackmaps Overlord Bill Lavoy, who specific ally called out Buccigross and fellow commentator Darren Pang’s color commentary in his review of NHL 27 as shoddy and zero energy:

Lavoy went on to say that commentary being turned off by default in NHL 27 “might legitimately be a feature.” He was hardly alone in his critique, as the Metacritic for NHL 27 sits at around 68 percent, with many reviews also citing the commentary as a low point.

As we continue to follow this topic, stay tuned to the generative AI topic for more stories and updates.

Shacknews staff does not use generative artificial intelligence (AI) in their content. Shacknews strictly prohibits the use of its content for AI training or to generate text, including text in the style or format used for this publication. Shacknews reserves all rights to this work.

TJ Denzer Senior News Editor

TJ Denzer is a player and writer with a passion for games that has dominated a lifetime. He found his way to the Shacknews roster in late 2019 and has worked his way to Senior News Editor since. Between news coverage, he also aides notably in livestream projects like the indie game-focused Indie-licious, the Shacknews Stimulus Games, and the Shacknews Dump. You can reach him at [email protected] and also find him on BlueSky @JohnnyChugs.

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