Arc Raiders studio touts fewer recording sessions as AI benefit — actor warns of lost paid work

Embark Studios, the developer of video games such as the popular online shooter Arc Raiders, is under scrutiny after it justified its use of AI-generated dialogue by claiming that it creates more work for voice actors.

Here's what to know

In a TikTok, Retro for the First Time (@RetroForTheFirstTime) discussed an approximately 20-minute developer update addressing voice acting in Arc Raiders after players had objected to the AI-generated lines.

@retroforthefirsttime Arc raiders has bizarre response to ai backlash. After gamers got angry over discovering that ai was used to deliver lines in game, the devs behind arc raiders release a video trying to justify what they did. In a nonsensical response they say it actually gives actors more opportunities, and use out of context clips from voice actors to sound like they support the use as well. Eventually mocking gamers for being upset because they can't tell when a voice is human or ai. #Arcraiders #embarkstudios #gamingnews ♬ original sound - Retro For The First Time 🇨🇦

Developers said one advantage of AI-generated voices was that they could revise dialogue without another recording session. They noted game updates can make existing recordings obsolete, while actors' schedules complicate arranging sessions.

Voice actors said shorter recording sessions gave them more freedom to take other jobs. But the creator argued that support for AI-generated performances in a finished game cannot be inferred from a preference for shorter sessions.

More background

The creator said actors could lose paid return visits when synthetic dialogue removes the need to bring them back. As an actor in the industry, he added that avoiding repeat recording sessions could reduce earning opportunities rather than create them.

The creator also took issue with a developer's reaction to players who thought human performances were AI-generated. He said that once players knew synthetic voices were in the game, human performances drew suspicion too. 

"Every so often a video comes across my fyp that reminds that I bought Arc Raiders and I regret it, DEEPLY," a commenter wrote.

Beyond concerns about creative work, AI also places demands on natural resources. The computing power required to operate the technology uses significant electricity, while data center cooling can consume water. Though AI can help optimize clean-energy systems, operating it also increases energy demand.

What's being done?

Concerns about lost work remained largely unaddressed in the studio's explanation, the creator argued. Though he welcomed the communication, he said it came in response to backlash.

Another user described an effort to make professional performers more accessible to smaller studios.

"This is why I've been working with @ACTRA Toronto on an indie video game agreement that allows developers to work with professional union voice talent at rates that are within their budget," they wrote. "Every indie developer in Ontario that I've spoken to has said that they don't want to use AI; they want to use real voice actors."

Where can I learn more?

Actors and players are raising similar concerns about AI in other games, anime, and film.

• In Japan, Goku actor Masako Nozawa called AI clones "theft," saying they lack heart.

• In Japan, an anime voice actor sued TikTok over AI cloning his baritone.

• Steam players criticized alleged undisclosed AI after Sega revived Total War: SHOGUN 2.

• In Spain, Marion Cotillard mocked AI actors' performances while voicing fears about their potential.

• Gal Gadot faced backlash over AI-heavy sets in a bitcoin movie.

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