Embark Studios, the developer behind ARC Raiders, has spoken up about how it uses artificial intelligence after players questioned whether the technology is replacing human creativity. The studio and its parent company, Nexon, say AI is simply another tool that helps them build a richer world without taking away from the work of real people.
Nexon CEO Junghun Lee recently said that it’s safe to assume “every game company is now using AI.” He explained that when everyone has access to the same technology, what truly matters is creativity. “How do you survive? That’s where human imagination comes in,” he said, describing AI as a tool that can improve efficiency but not replace originality.
Embark’s chief creative officer, Stefan Strandberg, clarified that ARC Raiders uses text-to-speech software for certain lines of dialogue but does not rely on generative AI to create storylines, characters, or other major game elements. He stressed that there’s “no end goal in replacing any actors” and that voice talent remains a key part of the process. The text-to-speech system helps the studio experiment quickly while maintaining a smaller team.
CEO Patrick Söderlund also addressed the role of AI, saying that “games can’t be built by an AI, and I hope they never can.” He added that the technology can help speed up parts of development like animation and asset creation, which allows a small team to produce more content without cutting corners. Söderlund said AI should be used to support artists, not replace them.
Players began raising concerns when they noticed AI-generated voices in ARC Raiders, worried that it might push out professional voice actors or take away from the emotional depth of the game. Embark responded by saying that the technology is used in moderation and that the team remains focused on delivering a human-driven experience.
The discussion around ARC Raiders has become part of a larger debate in gaming about where to draw the line with AI. Some see it as a practical tool that can make development more efficient, while others fear it could eventually take over creative roles. Embark’s stance lands somewhere in the middle: AI is used to make the process smoother, but the heart of the game still comes from its developers and performers.
For now, the studio is embracing AI as a way to work smarter while keeping human creativity at the center of everything it builds.
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