Embark Studios uses AI text-to-speech for ARC Raiders voices
Embark Studios' game ARC Raiders reportedly used AI text-to-speech technology trained on voice actors' voices for in-game dialogue and character voices, sparking controversy over job displacement and the adequacy of compensation for perpetual use of voice likenesses.
What happened
Embark Studios' multiplayer game ARC Raiders came under scrutiny for using AI-based Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology for in-game voice lines, including player 'ping' callouts and non-player character dialogue. The studio confirmed it used an AI TTS system trained on the voices of contracted voice actors who were paid for the initial use of their voice likeness.
Players and critics voiced strong opposition to the AI voices for their 'soulless' delivery and 'weird inflections', and the studio came under fire for bypassing human actors for repeat recording sessions, threatening future work and job security for voice actors. The official Steam page confirms use of 'AI-based tools' in content creation.
Reported impact
Voice actors face reduced job opportunities and income security as the studio uses AI-generated dialogue for ongoing updates instead of recalling human actors for new lines. The long-term contracts for perpetual use of voice likenesses remain opaque, raising questions about whether actors are adequately compensated for trading long-term work for a single up-front fee.
Index analysis
Embark Studios framed the decision as a 'studio strategy' and 'production solution' to cut production costs and increase development speed while remaining a small team. The studio's owner, Nexon, suggested people should assume 'every game company is now using AI', pointing to normalization of the practice. This incident followed similar controversy over Embark's previous game, The Finals, indicating a deliberate corporate-level decision to integrate AI into their pipeline.
Governance controls
The studio asserted that contracted voice actors were paid for the initial use of their voice likeness, though contractual details regarding ownership and perpetual use of voice likenesses for future AI-generated lines remain opaque. No regulatory framework or formal investigation has been disclosed.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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