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Based on developer statements from the studio behind the title, Arc Raiders seems to utilize AI tools for creating select spoken content. This revelation is strikingly similar to the debate that emerged around the developer's earlier release, The Finals.

Release Details

Released on the last day of October for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox, Arc Raiders is positioned as a gentler on-ramp to the competitive survival style. Unlike established behemoths like Escape from Tarkov, it aims to offer a more approachable experience. The game has largely been strong ratings, presently achieving a highly favorable rating on Steam based on thousands of user evaluations.

Development Approach

Within the product's Steam page, a clear disclosure regarding computer-assisted production draws comparisons: Throughout creation, we may employ procedural and AI-based systems to assist with asset production. Regardless of method, the resulting game embodies the artistic expression of our creative personnel."

Past Issue

The Finals, a successful competitive FPS recognized for its fluid combat and dynamic battlefields, received negative feedback for its adoption of generative tools even before its full release. During its public testing phase, the game's audio designer revealed in a podcast interview that the company had used generative technology for producing voice content. This revelation prompted immediate negative reaction from voice actors and creative personnel, who stated that computer-created dialogue were of inferior standard compared to actor deliveries and that such practices could eliminate performance opportunities.

Studio Explanation

Reacting to feedback, Embark Studios stated that they had contracted experienced talent to produce primary spoken content for The Finals, but expanded these with TTS technology to produce supplementary material inspired by those original recordings. The studio's rationale focused on the significant time savings achieved through this method.

Latest Developments

Regarding Arc Raiders, the project's design head recently stated that the game does not employ generative AI at all," though he did not provide details on the specific interpretation of the Steam disclosure. He did admit, however, that the equivalent speech tools implemented in The Finals was also applied in Arc Raiders.

"We use a combination of live performance content and content created through synthetic voice systems in our games, depending on the requirements," commented a company spokesperson. "Sometimes, filming actual interactions where performers collaborate — permitting performance dynamics and tension to shape the outcome — is something that adds depth to our game worlds that AI cannot replicate. For different situations, especially when it involves real-time combat communications, TTS allows us to have personalized speech where we could not such as due to speed of implementation."

Player Reactions

First reactions to the implementation of automated systems in Arc Raiders has been relatively mixed, especially during the launch window. Some players have shown clear disapproval.

• "AI voices are a blemish on an otherwise incredible experience," stated one user in a online discussion.
• I oppose that they implemented it in The Finals and feel regret to hear they employed it once more for this title," commented another.
• The effect was immediately noticeable in the speech content for a specific character," observed a different user.

However, other players have adopted a more accepting stance.

• "Don't give a fuck, they compensated performers and implemented it effectively," wrote one community member.
• This demonstrates acceptable as it currently exists, unfortunately," added another.

The ongoing debate surrounding AI implementation in game development looks prepared to persist as developers balance creative efficiency with creative quality and moral concerns.