Arc Raiders Reignites AI Voice Controversy as Embark Studios Defends Text-to-Speech Technology

Controversy Returns to Embark Studios

Embark Studios finds itself at the center of another AI controversy with the release of Arc Raiders, its latest extraction shooter that launched on October 30 for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. The game carries an "AI Generated Content" disclosure on Steam, stating that the developer may use "procedural- and AI-based tools to assist with content creation," echoing similar controversies that surrounded the studio's 2023 hit The Finals 1

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Source: Polygon

The disclosure has reignited debates about AI usage in game development, particularly regarding voice acting. Arc Raiders design director Virgil Watkins told PCGamesN that the game "in no way uses generative AI whatsoever," while acknowledging that the same text-to-speech technology used in The Finals was implemented in Arc Raiders 2

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The Text-to-Speech Approach

Embark Studios' approach involves hiring professional voice actors to record initial voice lines, then using AI text-to-speech tools to generate additional content based on those recorded voices. "We hire and contract voice actors for it -- it's part of their contract that we use it [AI] for this purpose," Watkins explained. This allows the studio to create comprehensive ping systems capable of saying "every single item name, every single location name, and compass directions" without requiring actors to return for each new item added to the game 1

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Studio CCO Stefan Strandberg defended this methodology to Eurogamer, explaining that "TTS allows us to increase the scope of the game in some areas where we think it's needed, or where there's tedious repetition, in situations where the voice actors may not see it as valuable work." He emphasized that "the experience of the game doesn't use any generative AI" 3

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Industry Context and Union Response

The controversy occurs against the backdrop of significant industry action regarding AI usage. SAG-AFTRA voice actors conducted a year-long strike from July 2024 to July 2025, securing protections against unauthorized AI voice replication. The final agreement ensures that "performers who consent to the use of a digital replica receive compensation for that use comparable to what they would have received had they directly provided services" 2

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Embark Studios, based in Sweden, did not work with US-based union actors on Arc Raiders, which raises questions about labor protections and compensation standards across different markets.

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Mixed Player Reception

Player reactions to Arc Raiders' AI usage have been notably more nuanced than the initial backlash faced by The Finals. While some players remain strongly opposed, calling AI voices "a stain on an otherwise incredible game," others have taken a more accepting stance. One Reddit user wrote, "Don't give a fuck, they paid voice actors and used it well. This is as ethical as it gets these days, I'm afraid" 1

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The game itself has been well-received, maintaining a "very positive" rating on Steam based on over 8,000 reviews, suggesting that AI concerns haven't significantly impacted overall player satisfaction 1

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Source: GamesRadar

Beyond Voice Acting: Machine Learning Applications

Embark's AI usage extends beyond voice generation. The studio has implemented machine learning for enemy animation systems, creating dynamic responses when Arc enemies lose limbs during combat. "If you shoot off a leg, it'll try to rebalance," Strandberg explained, describing these as "fantastic emergent moments" that enhance gameplay 3

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Source: PC Gamer

Founder Patrick Söderlund has also mentioned research into AI tools that could create 3D game models from YouTube videos, though executive producer Aleksander Grøndal clarified this remains "a research project" not currently used in games 2

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