Arc Raiders is just days away from its official launch, and as the hype continues to grow, Embark Studios' inventive extraction game has been one of the most anticipated releases of the year. This is no easy feat, as this year has been defined by huge launches. Arc Raiders set in a futuristic world ravaged by giant killer robots, its unique environment and fun gameplay have put a strong spotlight on the title.
Now when you wait Arc Raiders nearing its end, eager gamers will finally get to jump into the compelling world that Embark Studios has promised. After Arc Raiders' successful server slam earlier this month, excitement has reached a fever pitch. Unfortunately, however, that hasn't kept the extraction shooter free from controversy, as there is now speculation that Arc Raiders uses AI for the voices of some of its characters.
Arc Raiders will be available at October 30 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S and will cost $40 USD.
Arc Raiders AI Voice Controversy Arrives Days Before Launch
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The official Steam page for Arc Raiders confirms the use of AI.
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Embark Studios has used AI voices before.
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Fans have shared examples of supposed AI dialogue.
It's important to note that Embark Studios has not officially confirmed or denied whether Arc Raiders use AI voices for characters in the game or not. However, it has at least been confirmed through Steam that the game does indeed use AI in some capacity. The official Steam page reads “During the development process, we may use procedural and AI-based tools to assist in content creation. In all such cases, the final product reflects the creativity and expression of our own development team.” Of course, this description is rather vague, so it is unclear exactly which parts of Arc Raiders features AI-assisted content, but that's not too surprising. The finalsanother successful project by Embark Studios, had its own controversy by featuring text-to-speech AI voices.
Back in 2023, The finals sound designers Carl Strandberg and Andreas Almström confirmed that the game used a mix of AI text-to-speech technology and real voices, with the former carrying most of the weight. The developers were quoted as saying, “We use AI with a few exceptions, so all the contestants' voices, like the barks and the commentary for the commentators, are AI text-to-speech”, while various sound effects such as grunts and sounds of pain are made in the studio. Strandberg and Almstrom further explained that they chose this route due to efficiency, claiming that this allowed developers to make changes “in just a few hours, instead of months”, and hinted that it was not possible to hire voice actors on the fly.
This naturally caused a lot of backlash from players and voice actors alike. Although Embark Studios has been tight-lipped about whether Arc Raiders using text-to-speech AI or not, the developer's previous decision with The finals has definitely raised suspicions ahead of the game's release.
In the Reddit post above by user Shwad00, the line delivery of several characters in the game has been called into question. Once Arc Raiders is here, it will be interesting to see if any other examples of potential AI voices are shared on social media. Critics of the game's character voices note the choppy and rushed delivery of dialogue, which is a common feature of text-to-speech AI tools.
Arc Raider's voice allegations add to the growing concern about AI use in game development
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Generative AI and AI-based tools in development have been a divisive topic within the gaming community.
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Many pro-AI users cite its efficiency and streamlining properties, while many critics resent how it kills job opportunities, while claiming that quality is sacrificed for quick turnaround.
In recent years, especially this one, AI has taken center stage. Debates about whether AI should be used in creative industries are difficult to tread. On the one hand, it's understandable how it could be useful for smaller, independent studios, but when it comes to big companies like Sony and Microsoft, it also seems like a path taken to save money instead of hiring talented and skilled programmers and artists.
Embark Studios CEO Patrick Soderlund recently spoke to Edge regarding his own feelings about using AI in game development, saying, “The beauty of video games, as with any art form, is that — at least so far — they can't be built by an Al. I hope they never can. The human aspect is still important.” I completely agree with that sentiment, so when it comes to AI users and critics alike, that view can at least remain a solid middle ground that each side can hopefully continue to return to when the topic is raised. But with reports like Elon Musk's teased AI-generated games making waves, it can be hard for AI skeptics to remain optimistic when developers like Embark Studios use such technology.
The beauty of video games, as with all art forms, is that they – at least for now – cannot be built by an Al. I hope they never can. The human aspect is still important.
At the end of the day, AI is a mirror of what humans have already been able to accomplish in the past. Actual voice actors potentially losing out on jobs for quick results will continue to be troubling, regardless of context. It's understandable why the subject of AI in game development worries some fans. Over the years, players have created emotional connections to various titles and their stories because of the human-made elements. Whether it's the world-building and gameplay created by developers or the performances of real-life actors, the game has gotten as far as it has because of human-led creativity. The hype around Arc Raiders is impressive, and it will ultimately be up to the individual player whether the use of AI is a deal-breaker or not.
- Released
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30 October 2025
- ESRB
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Teen/violence, blood
