EA Sports has used an AI-generated version of commentator John Buccigross’ voice to create some lines for NHL 27, according to Buccigross himself. Speaking on the Chirping Zebras podcast, the ESPN broadcaster said EA had played back material generated from his voice model and described the results as convincing, while acknowledging that the technology can still make mistakes. EA has not separately detailed the extent of AI-generated commentary used in the game.
Buccigross discussed the process while talking about his work on NHL 27, where he joins former NHL goaltender Darren Pang as part of the game’s new commentary team. He said EA is “using some AI stuff” and had demonstrated generated material using his voice. Buccigross reacted positively to the quality and joked that if the technology meant “less work and the same check,” he was comfortable with it.
He also pointed out that the system is not flawless. According to Buccigross, AI-generated delivery can get certain things wrong, particularly when dealing with specialized hockey language and terminology. That means the technology does not appear to be replacing the entire recording process, but instead supplementing recorded commentary with additional generated material where needed.
The comments provide unusually direct confirmation of generative AI being used in the production of commentary for a major annual sports game. EA’s official marketing for NHL 27 has heavily promoted its refreshed broadcast package, describing Buccigross and Pang as bringing more natural reactions, improved flow and deeper analysis to matches. However, its public feature pages and reveal materials do not disclose that some Buccigross lines were created using an AI model of his voice.
EA has said Buccigross and Pang were closely involved in shaping NHL 27’s presentation rather than simply recording a library of scripted lines. The publisher previously said the pair brought their broadcasting experience into the development process and helped improve the authenticity of the commentary. Buccigross’ account now shows that AI-assisted voice generation forms at least part of that broader production pipeline.
It is not currently clear how many lines were generated this way, how frequently players will hear them, or whether Pang’s voice was processed using the same technology. Buccigross only spoke directly about an AI version of his own voice. EA also has not explained whether generated lines are used primarily to fill gaps, respond to unusual game situations, expand name coverage or reduce the need for repetitive studio sessions.
The disclosure comes as major game publishers increasingly experiment with generative AI in production. Microsoft and Sony have both explored generative AI applications in game development, while studios across the industry continue debating where the technology should be used and how creators should be compensated. Voice replication is particularly sensitive because it directly reproduces a performer’s identifiable work, although Buccigross’ comments indicate he was aware of and comfortable with EA’s use in this case.
That approach contrasts with other major productions that have publicly distanced themselves from generative AI. Rockstar, for example, has said generative AI was not used to create GTA VI, illustrating how differently large studios are approaching the technology. NHL 27 instead provides a concrete example of generative AI being integrated directly into a finished entertainment product with the participation of one of its featured performers.
NHL 27 launches worldwide on September 11 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with Deluxe Edition owners and EA Play trial users already able to access the game from September 4. The game introduces all 32 NHL team playbooks, rebuilt arena presentation, Connected Franchise and the new Buccigross-Pang commentary pairing. For now, Buccigross’ podcast comments are the clearest explanation of how AI is being used behind the microphone, while EA has yet to publish a technical breakdown of the system or its scope.
