The Latest Extraction Shooter's Integration of Artificial Intelligence Voice Technology Echoes The Finals Controversy

Per recent disclosures from the studio behind the title, Arc Raiders appears to employ artificial intelligence technology for producing some dialogue. This revelation is strikingly similar to the debate that emerged around the studio's 2023 hit, The Finals.

Title Introduction

Debuted on the last day of October for PS5, computer platforms, and Microsoft's console, Arc Raiders is positioned as a gentler on-ramp to the extraction shooter category. In contrast with complex games like Escape from Tarkov, it seeks to offer a welcoming adventure. This release has generally earned strong ratings, currently holding a highly favorable reception on the popular platform based on thousands of gamer feedback.

Development Approach

On the product's store listing, a notice regarding computer-assisted production raises similarities: "During development, we may employ procedural and AI-based technologies to assist with asset production. In all cases, the resulting game showcases the creativity and vision of our studio staff."

Previous Controversy

The Finals, a successful multiplayer first-person shooter famous for its responsive controls and destructive environments, faced criticism for its use of AI ahead of its public debut. During its October 2023 open beta, the title's sound specialist disclosed in a podcast interview that the studio had employed artificial intelligence systems for developing dialogue lines. This statement generated instant criticism from industry talent and industry professionals, who stated that computer-created dialogue were of inferior standard compared to professional recordings and that such methods could eliminate voice-acting jobs.

Studio Explanation

In response, the development team clarified that they had hired professional voice actors to create initial dialogue for The Finals, but supplemented these with text-to-speech tools to create extra material inspired by those initial performances. The studio's rationale highlighted the development speed gained from this technique.

Current Situation

Concerning Arc Raiders, the title's creative lead recently stated that the title avoids utilizing generative AI in any form," though he declined to elaborate on the precise meaning of the platform statement. He did admit, however, that the same vocal technology implemented in The Finals was also applied in Arc Raiders.

"We use a blend of live performance content and audio generated via text-to-speech technology in our releases, according to the context," explained a studio representative. In certain cases, capturing live performances where performers collaborate — enabling character chemistry and tension to influence the result — is something that provides substance to our game worlds that systems cannot duplicate. For different situations, notably when it concerns real-time combat communications, text-to-speech enables us to have tailored VO where we typically could not e.g. due to speed of implementation."

Gamer Feedback

Early feedback to the use of automated systems in Arc Raiders has been relatively mixed, notably in the early days. Some players have shown clear disapproval.

• "AI voices are a blemish on an otherwise incredible experience," wrote one gamer in a online discussion.
• I oppose that they used it in The Finals and am disappointed to hear they employed it once more for this release," responded another.
• "It was quickly detectable in the vocal lines for one protagonist," mentioned a different user.

However, some users have taken a more open-minded attitude.

• "Don't give a fuck, they hired talent and used it well," stated one online participant.
• "This is as ethical as it currently exists, unfortunately," continued another.

The ongoing controversy about artificial intelligence use in video game production seems likely to endure as developers balance creative efficiency with artistic integrity and responsible practices.