Arc Raiders’ AI Voice Controversy Explained

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With its official launch just days away, Arc Raiders is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about games of the year. That’s saying something, considering how many major games have already come out this year! Arc Raiders is set in a future world under attack by massive, dangerous robots, and its fresh setting and enjoyable gameplay have really caught people’s attention.

The launch of Arc Raiders is almost here, and players are excited to experience the world Embark Studios has been building. Following a successful test period earlier this month, anticipation is high. However, some controversy has emerged, with concerns raised that the game may be using artificial intelligence to generate voices for certain characters.

Arc Raiders will be available on October 30 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S and will cost $40 USD.

Arc Raiders’ AI Voice Controversy Arrives Days Before its Launch

  • The official Steam page for Arc Raiders confirms the use of AI.
  • Embark Studios has used AI voices in the past.
  • Fans have shared examples of supposed AI dialogue.

Embark Studios hasn’t said for sure whether the game Arc Raiders uses AI to generate character voices. However, they have confirmed on Steam that AI tools were used during development to help create content. They state that their team still maintains creative control over the final product. While it’s unclear exactly what elements of Arc Raiders were created with AI assistance, this isn’t unexpected, as their previous game, The Finals, faced similar criticism for using AI-generated voices.

In 2023, the audio designers for The Finals, Carl Strandberg and Andreas Almstrom, revealed that the game relies heavily on AI-generated speech. While some sounds, like grunts and pain noises, are recorded in a studio with real people, most of the voices you hear – including those of the contestants and commentators – are created using AI text-to-speech technology. The developers chose this approach to speed up the development process, allowing them to make changes quickly – in hours rather than months – which would have been difficult to achieve by constantly hiring voice actors.

The news quickly sparked criticism from gamers and voice actors alike. While Embark Studios hasn’t confirmed whether Arc Raiders uses AI to generate speech, their previous work on The Finals has led many to believe they might, especially as the new game approaches its release.

Potential Evidence of AI Voices in Arc Raiders Makes the Rounds on Social Media

I was reading a Reddit post by Shwad00, and they pointed out something really interesting – the way some characters speak in Arc Raiders sounds a bit off. Once the game actually comes out, I’m curious to see if more people notice it and share examples online. Apparently, a lot of people think the voices sound choppy and rushed, which is something you often hear with those text-to-speech AI programs. It’ll be interesting to see if that’s what’s going on here.

Arc Raiders’ Voice Allegations Add to the Growing Concern of AI Use in Game Development

  • Generative AI and AI-based tools in development have been a divisive topic within the gaming community.
  • Many pro-AI adopters cite its efficiency and streamlining qualities, while a lot of critics dislike how it gets rid of job opportunities, while also claiming quality is sacrificed for quick turnaround.

Artificial intelligence has become a major topic of discussion recently, particularly this year. The use of AI in creative fields is a complicated issue. While it could be helpful for small studios, larger companies like Sony and Microsoft seem to be exploring it as a way to cut costs rather than invest in skilled programmers and artists.

Embark Studios CEO Patrick Soderlund recently shared his thoughts on AI in game development with Edge magazine. He believes the core of video games, like any art form, lies in human creativity – something he hopes AI will never fully replicate. I think this is a reasonable position, offering a common ground for both those embracing and questioning AI in gaming. However, news about AI-generated games, like the one Elon Musk hinted at, makes it difficult for those skeptical of AI to stay positive, especially when studios like Embark Studios themselves are exploring the technology.

What makes video games special, like all art, is that they still require human creativity – and I hope it stays that way. The human touch is what truly matters.

Ultimately, AI reflects what humans have already achieved. It’s understandable that many are worried about voice actors potentially losing work to AI, regardless of the situation. Gamers have built strong connections with games over the years thanks to the human creativity behind them – from the stories and worlds created by developers to the performances of voice actors. While the excitement around games like Arc Raiders is high, each player will decide for themselves if the use of AI affects their enjoyment.

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2025-10-27 23:38