Embark Studios Shifts from AI to Human Voice Acting in Arc Raiders

Embark Studios has begun replacing AI-generated voice lines in its popular extraction shooter, Arc Raiders, with recordings from professional voice actors. This decision follows significant criticism from players and industry professionals regarding the initial use of AI text-to-speech technology, which was employed to generate in-game dialogue at the game's launch on October 30, 2025. CEO Patrick Söderlund acknowledged that the quality of human performances surpasses that of AI, stating, “A real professional actor is better than AI; that's just how it is.” The studio's move to re-record lines aims to enhance the game's audio quality and improve player immersion.

Arc Raiders Starts Using Human Voices Instead of AI: Genuine Shift or Strategic Move?IGN EntertainmentArc Raiders Head Says Actors Are Better Than AI, Despite The Game's Use Of Voice Generation

At launch, Arc Raiders utilized AI-generated voices primarily for non-critical dialogue, allowing developers to quickly produce additional lines without scheduling new recording sessions. This approach was intended to streamline the development process, particularly for a live-service game that requires frequent updates. However, the reliance on AI sparked backlash, with critics arguing that it blurred the lines between supporting actors and replacing them. Despite the studio compensating voice actors for their contributions and licensing their voices for AI use, many in the gaming community expressed concerns about the implications of AI in voice acting.

Arc Raiders Starts Using Human Voices Instead of AI: Genuine Shift or Strategic Move?IGN EntertainmentArc Raiders Head Says Actors Are Better Than AI, Despite The Game's Use Of Voice Generation

In response to the criticism, Söderlund emphasized that while AI serves as a valuable production tool for testing dialogue variations, the studio does not intend to replace human actors entirely. He confirmed that many voice lines in Arc Raiders were recorded by humans and that the studio continues to compensate actors fairly for their work. “We pay our actors for all time spent with us in the booth and continue to bring many of them back as we carry on updating the game,” he stated.

IGN Entertainment

The decision to initially use AI-generated voices has drawn mixed reactions. While some players appreciated the innovation, others felt that it undermined the role of professional voice actors in the gaming industry. Critics have pointed out that even with compensation, the use of AI could set a concerning precedent for future game development. The controversy surrounding Arc Raiders has highlighted broader industry debates about the ethical implications of AI in creative fields, particularly regarding voice acting rights.

Arc Raiders Starts Using Human Voices Instead of AI: Genuine Shift or Strategic Move?Arc Raiders Head Says Actors Are Better Than AI, Despite The Game's Use Of Voice GenerationIGN Entertainment

As Embark Studios continues to update Arc Raiders, it remains to be seen whether the studio will fully abandon AI-generated content or adopt a hybrid approach that combines AI technology with human performances. The ongoing discussions within the gaming community about the role of AI in voice acting may influence future decisions by other developers as well.

Arc Raiders Starts Using Human Voices Instead of AI: Genuine Shift or Strategic Move?

• “We re-recorded some lines post-launch and made them with real voices,” — Patrick Söderlund, CEO of Embark Studios

Arc Raiders Head Says Actors Are Better Than AI, Despite The Game's Use Of Voice Generation

• “A real professional actor is better than AI; that's just how it is.” — Patrick Söderlund, CEO of Embark Studios

IGN Entertainment

• “We pay our actors for all time spent with us in the booth and continue to bring many of them back as we carry on updating the game.” — Patrick Söderlund, CEO of Embark Studios

Arc Raiders Head Says Actors Are Better Than AI, Despite The Game's Use Of Voice Generation