🔗 Share this article

Based on newly revealed information from the game's developer, Arc Raiders reportedly employ generative systems for producing select dialogue. This revelation strongly echoes the situation that arose with the studio's earlier release, The Finals.

Game Overview

Released on October 30th for PS5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, Arc Raiders is positioned as a easier on-ramp to the competitive survival style. In contrast with more hardcore titles like Escape from Tarkov, it seeks to offer a welcoming gameplay. This release has mostly received favorable reviews, maintaining a highly favorable reception on Steam based on thousands of gamer feedback.

Technology Statement

On the game's official platform description, a notice regarding "AI Generated Content" draws comparisons: In the production phase, we might apply algorithmic and intelligent systems to assist with content creation. In all cases, the final output showcases the artistic expression of our development team."

Past Issue

The Finals, a successful multiplayer first-person shooter known for its smooth gunplay and demolition-heavy maps, encountered backlash for its adoption of generative tools even before its official launch. During its October 2023 open beta, the title's sound specialist mentioned in a podcast interview that the development team had used artificial intelligence systems for producing dialogue lines. This statement triggered swift negative reaction from voice actors and creative personnel, who stated that AI-generated voices were of notably lower quality compared to actor deliveries and that such methods could replace voice-acting jobs.

Developer Response

Addressing concerns, Embark Studios clarified that they had employed skilled voice actors to record original voice lines for The Finals, but supplemented these with TTS technology to generate additional material inspired by those original recordings. The studio's rationale focused on the significant time savings gained from this method.

Current Situation

Concerning Arc Raiders, the project's design head clarified that the release "in no way uses generative AI whatsoever," though he declined to elaborate on the exact nature of the Steam disclosure. He did confirm, however, that the same vocal technology implemented in The Finals was also utilized in Arc Raiders.

We employ a blend of professional actor recordings and material produced using TTS tools in our games, according to the context," commented a development team member. In certain cases, capturing live performances where actors get together — permitting character chemistry and tension to influence the result — is something that adds depth to our virtual environments that technology can't emulate. For different situations, particularly if it concerns real-time combat communications, TTS allows us to have customized dialogue where we otherwise wouldn't for example due to speed of implementation."

Gamer Feedback

Early feedback to the implementation of automated systems in Arc Raiders has been somewhat nuanced, particularly in the early days. Some players have shown clear disapproval.

• "AI voices are a flaw in an otherwise incredible experience," wrote one player in a community thread.
• "I hate that they used it in The Finals and am sad to hear they repeated it for this game," added another.
• The effect was instantly apparent in the dialogue delivery for Shani," noted a third player.

That said, other players have expressed a more open-minded stance.

• "Don't give a fuck, they paid voice actors and applied it appropriately," wrote one online participant.
• This demonstrates acceptable as it currently exists, I'm afraid," continued another.

The ongoing debate surrounding artificial intelligence use in game development appears set to continue as companies balance creative efficiency with artistic integrity and responsible practices.