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Based on recent disclosures from the game's developer, Arc Raiders seems to make use of generative systems for generating certain voice lines. This development strongly echoes the issue that emerged around the developer's 2023 hit, The Finals.

Release Details

Debuted on October 30th for Sony's console, Windows PC, and Xbox, Arc Raiders is positioned as a gentler on-ramp to the loot-and-extract genre. Compared to established behemoths like Escape from Tarkov, it aims to offer a more approachable gameplay. The game has largely been positive feedback, presently achieving a "very positive" score on digital distribution based on numerous gamer feedback.

AI Disclosure

On the product's Steam page, a clear disclosure regarding artificially created material raises similarities: Throughout creation, we could utilize procedural and AI-based technologies to assist with asset production. In all cases, the end product embodies the original ideas of our creative personnel."

Previous Controversy

The Finals, a successful multiplayer first-person shooter recognized for its responsive controls and demolition-heavy maps, received negative feedback for its adoption of generative tools even before its official launch. In its pre-release trial, the game's audio designer disclosed in a audio program that the studio had leveraged artificial intelligence systems for producing voice content. This announcement prompted immediate criticism from industry talent and creative personnel, who stated that synthetic speech were of inferior standard compared to human performances and that such practices could replace performance opportunities.

Developer Response

Addressing concerns, the company stated that they had contracted experienced performers to create initial dialogue for The Finals, but enhanced these with text-to-speech tools to generate additional material inspired by those original recordings. The company's explanation focused on the production efficiency achieved through this technique.

Current Situation

About Arc Raiders, the project's design head recently stated that the title "in no way uses artificial intelligence creation whatsoever," though he did not provide details on the exact nature of the Steam disclosure. He did admit, however, that the same vocal technology used for The Finals was also applied in Arc Raiders.

"We use a blend of recorded voice audio and audio generated via synthetic voice systems in our titles, according to the requirements," commented a company spokesperson. For specific scenarios, recording real scenes where performers collaborate — permitting actor relationships and drama to define the final product — is something that contributes richness to our digital universes that systems cannot duplicate. Other times, particularly if it concerns contextual in-game action call-outs, TTS allows us to have personalized speech where we typically could not e.g. due to speed of implementation."

Player Reactions

Initial response to the implementation of automated systems in Arc Raiders has been relatively mixed, notably in the launch window. Some players have voiced significant concerns.

• Artificial intelligence dialogue is a flaw in an otherwise incredible game," commented one user in a community thread.
• I dislike that they implemented it in The Finals and feel regret to hear they did it again for this title," added another.
• The result was immediately noticeable in the dialogue delivery for one protagonist," observed a third player.

That said, different gamers have adopted a more open-minded attitude.

• "Don't give a fuck, they hired talent and implemented it effectively," commented one community member.
• This represents the most responsible as it is possible nowadays, sadly," concluded another.

The continuing controversy surrounding artificial intelligence use in game development seems likely to persist as developers weigh development pace with artistic integrity and ethical considerations.