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According to newly revealed information from Embark Studios, Arc Raiders reportedly make use of generative systems for creating certain voice lines. This news is strikingly similar to the issue that surrounded the developer's earlier release, The Finals.

Title Introduction

Launched on October 30th for Sony's console, PC, and Xbox Series X, Arc Raiders is positioned as a more accessible on-ramp to the competitive survival category. In contrast with complex games like Escape from Tarkov, it aims to offer a welcoming experience. The title has generally earned strong ratings, maintaining a highly favorable rating on digital distribution based on over 8,000 player reviews.

Technology Statement

Via the title's dedicated platform description, a clear disclosure regarding computer-assisted production raises similarities: In the production phase, we might apply algorithmic and intelligent tools to support material generation. In every instance, the end product reflects the original ideas of our creative personnel."

Previous Controversy

The Finals, a popular competitive FPS known for its smooth gunplay and destructive environments, faced criticism for its implementation of artificial intelligence ahead of its full release. In its October 2023 open beta, the title's sound specialist revealed in a audio program that the company had employed generative technology for producing voice content. This revelation triggered swift negative reaction from voice actors and game developers, who claimed that AI-generated voices were of reduced caliber compared to human performances and that such methods could replace voice-acting jobs.

Studio Explanation

In response, the company stated that they had contracted experienced performers to create initial dialogue for The Finals, but supplemented these with text-to-speech tools to generate additional material modeled after those original recordings. The studio's rationale centered on the significant time savings obtained via this technique.

Current Situation

About Arc Raiders, the title's creative lead clarified that the release does not employ artificial intelligence creation at all," though he did not provide details on the exact nature of the Steam disclosure. He did confirm, however, that the equivalent speech tools implemented in The Finals was also applied in Arc Raiders.

"We use a blend of professional actor recordings and material produced using text-to-speech technology in our titles, depending on the requirements," explained a development team member. For specific scenarios, capturing live performances where performers collaborate — enabling performance dynamics and drama to define the final product — is something that contributes richness to our virtual environments that systems cannot duplicate. In other instances, especially when it involves real-time combat communications, text-to-speech enables us to have personalized speech where we typically could not for example due to production timelines."

Community Response

Early feedback to the use of generative tools in Arc Raiders has been relatively mixed, especially during the early days. Certain gamers have expressed strong opposition.

• "AI voices are a stain on an otherwise incredible game," stated one player in a community thread.
• I oppose that they implemented it in The Finals and am sad to hear they did it again for this release," commented another.
• The effect was immediately noticeable in the dialogue delivery for a specific character," mentioned a third player.

However, some users have taken a more tolerant stance.

• "Don't give a fuck, they compensated performers and applied it appropriately," wrote one community member.
• This represents the most responsible as it currently exists, sadly," continued another.

The continuing discussion regarding technology adoption in game development seems likely to continue as studios weigh creative efficiency with creative quality and moral concerns.