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Based on developer statements from Embark Studios, Arc Raiders appears to employ AI tools for creating certain voice lines. This development closely resembles the debate that surrounded the developer's 2023 hit, The Finals.

Release Details

Released on October 30th for PS5, Windows PC, and Microsoft's console, Arc Raiders is marketed as a more accessible entry point to the extraction shooter category. Unlike complex games like Escape from Tarkov, it seeks to offer a user-friendly adventure. The title has mostly received strong ratings, currently holding a "very positive" score on digital distribution based on over 8,000 user evaluations.

AI Disclosure

On the game's official platform description, a clear disclosure regarding "AI Generated Content" invites parallels: In the production phase, we may employ procedural and AI-based technologies to facilitate asset production. In all cases, the end product showcases the creativity and vision of our creative personnel."

Previous Controversy

The Finals, a successful online combat game famous for its smooth gunplay and demolition-heavy maps, faced criticism for its use of AI prior to its full release. During its public testing phase, the project's audio lead disclosed in a online discussion that the development team had employed generative technology for producing voice content. This revelation triggered swift negative reaction from voice actors and game developers, who argued that computer-created dialogue were of inferior standard compared to actor deliveries and that such practices could displace performance opportunities.

Company Position

In response, the company explained that they had contracted experienced voice actors to create initial dialogue for The Finals, but expanded these with TTS technology to create extra lines modeled after those initial performances. The company's explanation centered on the development speed gained from this method.

Current Situation

About Arc Raiders, the title's creative lead commented that the game "in no way uses generative AI whatsoever," though he did not provide details on the precise meaning of the store notice. He did admit, however, that the same vocal technology used for The Finals was also applied in Arc Raiders.

We employ a mix of live performance content and content created through synthetic voice systems in our games, depending on the context," stated a studio representative. "Sometimes, recording real scenes where performers collaborate — enabling actor relationships and tension to shape the outcome — is something that contributes richness to our game worlds that AI cannot replicate. For different situations, especially when it relates to real-time combat communications, synthetic voice permits us to have personalized speech where we typically could not for example due to production timelines."

Community Response

Early feedback to the incorporation of automated systems in Arc Raiders has been fairly varied, particularly in the launch window. Some players have expressed strong opposition.

• "AI voices are a flaw in an otherwise incredible experience," stated one user in a online discussion.
• I oppose that they did it for The Finals and feel regret to hear they employed it once more for this title," responded another.
• "It was quickly detectable in the speech content for Shani," noted a different user.

That said, different gamers have expressed a more accepting position.

• "Don't give a fuck, they hired talent and implemented it effectively," stated one forum user.
• This demonstrates acceptable as it gets these days, sadly," concluded another.

The continuing debate surrounding technology adoption in game development appears set to continue as developers balance production speed with artistic integrity and moral concerns.