EA Sports has confirmed that NHL 27 uses AI voice technology as part of its new commentary system. The voices belong to ESPN broadcaster John Buccigross and former NHL goaltender Darren Pang, but there is an important detail: both commentators agreed to the technology and are actively involved in the process.

According to EA, Buccigross and Pang completed more than 50 traditional recording sessions before AI was used to expand their commentary. Instead of replacing the broadcasters entirely, the technology helps EA generate additional lines while building on material recorded directly with the two commentators.

The idea is to give NHL 27 more commentary variety without constantly bringing the broadcasters back into the studio. EA says it can also respond faster to league changes, add new player or city names, and improve lines based on feedback from players after launch.

AI-generated voices in games are still a sensitive topic, especially as actors and performers continue debating how their voices should be used by developers. NHL 27 presents a slightly different case because EA says the technology was introduced with full consent and ongoing collaboration from both commentators.

The system has not been perfect, however. Players have reported awkward pronunciations and repetitive commentary, and EA has already started addressing some of those issues through NHL 27’s first major update. More player and city-name coverage is also planned for future patches.

For EA, the experiment could become an interesting example of how AI voices are used in sports games going forward. Instead of completely replacing human performers, NHL 27 shows another approach: record real broadcasters extensively, get their permission, and use AI to expand what their voices can do inside a constantly changing game.