What to know

  • Embark Studios confirmed that ARC Raiders includes AI-generated voice content.
  • The extent of AI use varies between minor and background characters.
  • Community reactions are mixed, citing both innovation and authenticity concerns.
  • The studio has not disclosed a full breakdown of human versus AI performances.

ARC Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, is a free-to-play cooperative third-person shooter that blends dystopian sci-fi settings with fluid, team-based gameplay. As excitement builds ahead of its launch, one aspect has stirred conversation across the gaming community — the studio’s use of AI-generated voices.

According to recent statements and reporting, Embark Studios confirmed that certain voiceovers in ARC Raiders were produced with text-to-speech technology. This decision aligns with the studio’s broader philosophy of integrating machine learning and generative tools into its production pipeline. The company has previously experimented with AI systems for animation, world design, and procedural content creation.

However, Embark has not specified which characters or roles rely on AI voices. Early testers and community members note that some background announcers and minor dialogue lines sound synthetic, reinforcing the belief that AI was primarily used for secondary or non-narrative voices. The main cast and cinematic performances appear to remain human-voiced, though this has not been officially detailed.

Player reactions have been divided. Some praise the studio for exploring efficient and flexible tools that could speed up development or reduce repetitive recording work.

Others criticize the choice, citing concerns about voice actor displacement and a loss of emotional nuance in performance. Many discussions emphasize that while AI voices can enhance production efficiency, they risk undermining the authenticity and artistic depth of human performance.

For now, ARC Raiders stands as one of the more visible examples of how AI is beginning to shape the future of voice work in major games. Whether players view it as innovation or compromise, the conversation around AI-driven creativity in gaming is only just beginning.