Embark Studios has discussed its use of Generative AI for voice lines in Arc Raiders, saying the technology helped manage the volume of dialogue required as the game’s features and content changed. Audio director Bence Pajor said recording every possible variation would have placed an unreasonable burden on voice actors: “The actors would just go crazy if they had to read all of that.”
In a video about the game’s sound and music, Pajor described how locked voice lines had caused problems at previous studios when gameplay decisions changed. He said the approach at Embark, which included working with voice actors in Stockholm and using available tools, made the process easier for writers, dialogue teams and performers, including when schedules clashed.
Pajor said the AI training data was created from the actors’ performances. Because dialogue can be needed for each new feature, item or weapon, he argued that bringing actors in to record every possible version—or each change to a line—would be impractical. Arc Raiders has received multiple updates and changes since its October 2025 release.
Voice actors Jo Rideout, who plays Shani, and Diana Gardner, who plays Celeste, also spoke in the video. Gardner said the arrangement was “freeing” because she could take other work without worrying about cancelling shoots or projects. She also raised questions about ownership of the final performance, saying she had put hours into the work but could not claim ownership of the resulting voice.
Embark says it is replacing AI-generated lines with human recordings where possible. Chief creative officer Stefan Strandberg said the studio is “not in the industry of replacing voice actors” and acknowledged that some players found the AI performances disruptive to immersion. He said Embark wants to give performers more space in the game over the coming years.
Sources: Eurogamer.