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Arc Raiders devs Embark insist that using genAI for voice lines was necessary, as “actors would just go crazy if they had to read all of that”
Developing story first seen 16 hours ago
Embark has renewed its defence of using generative AI for some Arc Raiders voice lines, arguing that recording every possible variation would be impractical for actors. The comments have drawn renewed attention to a practice that has faced criticism in Arc Raiders and the studio’s earlier game, The Finals.
Audio director Bence Pajor pointed to pings, quests and mission briefings as sources of numerous lines, while saying actors’ availability could delay recording. Actress Diana Gardner said shorter sessions suited her schedule, but she was unsure whether she could claim ownership of the final generated performance. Embark says it is replacing some generated lines with recordings by actors.
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In short
- Embark says recording every voice-line variation was impractical.
- Actors’ recordings were used to generate some Arc Raiders dialogue.
- The studio says it is replacing some generated lines with recorded performances.
How this story developed
- 40 minutes ago Embark has defended using generative AI to produce some Arc Raiders voice lines, saying the volume of possible dialogue and actors’ schedules made recording every version impractical.
- 2 hours ago Embark has renewed its defence of using generative AI for some Arc Raiders voice lines, arguing that recording every possible variation would be impractical for actors.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Embark’s strongest case is that games with many branching quests, pings and briefings can require more voice variations than actors’ schedules and recording budgets can reasonably accommodate. Using generated versions based on performers’ recordings can make that dialogue available while reducing repetitive sessions, and the studio says it is replacing some lines with actor recordings. Supporters may see this as a practical tool, provided performers agree to fair terms and retain meaningful control over how their voices are used.
The case against
The strongest case against the practice is that generating new performances from actors’ recordings can weaken their control over their voice and the work associated with it, especially when ownership or future use is unclear. Even if the volume of lines makes conventional recording difficult, that does not settle whether performers gave informed consent or received fair compensation for generated dialogue. Critics may also worry that normalising this approach could reduce opportunities for actors and shift creative decisions away from them.
Explained simply
Arc Raiders is an online action game made by Embark Studios, in which players take on missions in a changing world. Games like this can include many spoken lines for different situations, such as alerts, objectives and briefings.
Embark says it used generative AI to create some versions of those lines because recording every variation would take time and depend on actors’ availability. The voices were based on performers’ recordings, raising questions about consent, control over a performance and how actors are paid when their voices are used to generate new lines.
The debate reflects wider concerns about how AI may change creative work, including voice acting. Embark says it is replacing some generated lines with recordings by actors.
Coverage · 2 sources
- Rock Paper ShotgunArc Raiders devs Embark insist that using genAI for voice lines was necessary, as “actors would just go crazy if they had to read all of that”
- EurogamerArc Raiders devs say that using generative AI voice acting was necessary as actors "would just go crazy if they had to read all of that"
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