🔗 Share this article

Per developer statements from the studio behind the title, Arc Raiders reportedly utilize generative systems for creating certain dialogue. This development is strikingly similar to the debate that emerged around the developer's 2023 hit, The Finals.

Game Overview

Released on October 30th for PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X, Arc Raiders is described as a easier introduction to the extraction shooter genre. Compared to more hardcore titles like Escape from Tarkov, it aims to offer a more approachable gameplay. This release has mostly received positive feedback, maintaining a "very positive" reception on Steam based on numerous player reviews.

Technology Statement

Via the game's official Steam page, a specific statement regarding computer-assisted production invites parallels: "During development, we could utilize procedural and AI-based technologies to facilitate content creation. In all cases, the final output reflects the creativity and vision of our studio staff."

Earlier Debate

The Finals, a popular competitive FPS known for its responsive controls and demolition-heavy maps, received negative feedback for its implementation of artificial intelligence prior to its full release. During its October 2023 open beta, the title's sound specialist disclosed in a podcast interview that the studio had employed generative technology for producing dialogue lines. This announcement generated instant criticism from professional performers and industry professionals, who argued that AI-generated voices were of reduced caliber compared to actor deliveries and that such practices could displace acting roles.

Developer Response

In response, the company explained that they had contracted experienced voice actors to create initial spoken content for The Finals, but expanded these with TTS technology to create extra content based on those original recordings. The developer's reasoning highlighted the production efficiency achieved through this approach.

Present Circumstances

About Arc Raiders, the game's design director recently stated that the release "in no way uses generative AI at all," though he did not provide details on the precise meaning of the Steam disclosure. He did admit, however, that the same vocal technology implemented in The Finals was also utilized in Arc Raiders.

Our approach involves blend of recorded voice audio and material produced using TTS tools in our titles, depending on the situation," commented a studio representative. For specific scenarios, recording real scenes where actors get together — enabling performance dynamics and conflict to shape the outcome — is something that provides substance to our game worlds that systems cannot duplicate. For different situations, notably when it relates to dynamic gameplay announcements, synthetic voice permits us to have personalized speech where we otherwise wouldn't e.g. due to development pace."

Community Response

Initial response to the implementation of AI technology in Arc Raiders has been relatively mixed, especially during the launch window. Certain gamers have voiced significant concerns.

• Synthetic speech represents a blemish on an otherwise incredible title," wrote one player 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 release," responded another.
• The result was instantly apparent in the dialogue delivery for a specific character," observed a another gamer.

Nevertheless, different gamers have taken a more tolerant stance.

• I don't care, they hired talent and used it well," wrote one forum user.
• This represents the most responsible as it is possible nowadays, unfortunately," concluded another.

The persistent debate surrounding technology adoption in interactive entertainment appears set to persist as companies weigh creative efficiency with artistic integrity and responsible practices.