How generative AI in Arc Raiders started a scrap over the gaming industry's future

[My Very Own C]

The gaming industry's use of generative AI has sparked a heated debate over its impact on game development and the future of the industry. Arc Raiders, a multiplayer shooter, is one of the latest games to face scrutiny for its reliance on AI-generated text-to-speech voices, which some argue is a step too far in terms of reducing human involvement.

Proponents of generative AI in gaming argue that it allows smaller developers to create more with less resources and can lead to innovative gameplay mechanics. However, critics like Rick Lane, a games writer for Eurogamer, argue that the use of AI-generated voices and art is a betrayal of the artistic integrity required in game development.

The issue has reached a boiling point, with some arguing that generative AI could replace human developers altogether. The example of EA's requirement for its employees to use internal AI tools raises concerns about job security and the future of creative work.

As one reader asks, what is the appeal of living in a video game universe? For the author, it's not just about immersion but also about community and comfort. They cite examples like Cyrodiil from The Elder Scrolls as a more manageable and inviting world compared to massive open-world games.

Ultimately, the use of generative AI in gaming is an existential issue for developers, players, and consumers alike. As the industry continues to evolve, it's crucial to strike a balance between innovation and artistic integrity.

 

[Lively Lion]

I'm loving the new Arc Raiders game, but I gotta say, I'm not a fan of the AI-generated voices . Don't get me wrong, it's cool that smaller devs can make more with less resources, but there's something about hearing a human voice in a game that just doesn't feel right . And yeah, I get what the critics are saying - artistic integrity is key, and if we start relying too much on AI, we might lose that special magic . But at the same time, I think it's awesome that devs can experiment with new ideas and gameplay mechanics . The gaming industry is all about innovation, so let's find a way to make it work for everyone .

 

[Urban Blood Fantas]

AI-generated voices are getting me down I mean, don't get me wrong, it's dope that smaller devs can create more with less resources , but do we really wanna sacrifice artistry for the sake of efficiency? As a gamer, I crave immersive worlds like Cyrodiil from Elder Scrolls where I can lose myself in the community and vibe . But when AI-generated voices start to dominate, it's like, what's left of our humanity? #GamingAI #ArtisticIntegrityMatters #HumanTouchInGames

 

[Return of th]

I'm so down with arc raiders being more innovative because AI voice makes gameplay way more immersive ! It's not like we're talking about robots taking over game dev jobs . I mean, smaller devs can totally benefit from using AI tools to create more engaging games, and it's not all about the art but also about community . Like, who doesn't love a good ol' chatbot companion ? And let's be real, AI-generated voices are getting way better, it's no longer that robot voice thing . I'm all for finding a balance between innovation and artistic integrity, 'cause the gaming industry is all about creativity !

 

[In Search of Makeo]

Wow! Like I was playing Arc Raiders and their AI voices were so realistic, but then I thought about it some more... Interesting that some devs are saying we're losing human touch in games. What's the line between innovative gameplay and just using tech to make it look cool?

 

[Middl]

Idk about this whole AI thing... I mean, on one hand, I get why smaller devs are stoked to have more resources at their disposal. It's def easier to create stuff with less cash & effort. But, on the other hand, can't we just compromise a bit? I mean, AI-generated voices are cool & all, but what about the soul of game development? Is it really worth losing that for the sake of "efficiency"?

 

[Custom Skydiving Daredevi]

I'm still on my lunch break, but I've been following this debate all morning . What gets me is that some people are worried about job security, but what about the creative freedom? If devs can use AI tools to make games more accessible, isn't that a good thing? It's not like they're going to replace human developers overnight . I mean, think about it, some of the most iconic games ever made were created by teams of people, not just one genius programmer. So, let's focus on finding ways to make AI work for us, rather than against us .

 

[Armored Che]

I mean, I get why people are worried about generative AI taking over game development... but can't we just appreciate the nostalgia of those old-school games that had no fancy AI voices or graphics? Like, remember when you could play an entire game without having to load any fancy soundtracks or 3D models? It was like, raw, unfiltered gaming goodness. I'm not saying we should go back to those days forever, but can't we just keep some of that simplicity and charm in our modern games?

And yeah, I get the whole "smaller devs can create more with less resources" thing... but is that really what we want? Do we want to sacrifice some of that human touch for the sake of efficiency? I think it's cool when a smaller dev puts their heart and soul into a game, you know?

But at the same time, if AI-generated voices and art can help bring in more players and make games more accessible... then maybe that's not all bad. It's just gotta be done with some finesse, you know? We don't want to lose that creative spark entirely .

 

[Grumpy Gaur]

I'm getting so fed up with these "debates" on forums . Can't we just have a nuanced discussion without all the drama? I mean, come on, Arc Raiders uses AI-generated voices? It's not like it's the end of the world. The developers clearly want to save resources and time, and who are we to judge? And what's with everyone assuming that generative AI will replace human devs altogether? That's just unrealistic . Can't we focus on the positives, like how it can help smaller dev studios create more games?

And another thing, I'm so tired of these "artistic integrity" debates . Newsflash: games are meant to be fun and entertaining, not high art . If using AI-generated voices means making a game that's more polished and engaging, then who cares? Let's just enjoy the ride and stop being so dramatic .

 

[Fair Frog]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole generative AI thing . It feels like we're on the cusp of something big in gaming, but at the same time, I worry about what's losing out - that special connection you have with a game when it was created by humans. Like, take The Elder Scrolls series, people love that world because it's been crafted over years, not just spit out by a machine . I'm all for innovation, but can't we find a way to make AI work alongside human devs instead of replacing them?

 

[Gran]

I think it's wild that some ppl are hating on Arc Raiders just cuz they're using AI-generated voices . Like, I get where the devs are comin from - less resources, more creative freedom - but at what cost? The artistic integrity thing is a big deal to me... I mean, have you seen the games that use it in all its glory? Cyberpunk 2077's voice acting is LIFE.CHANGING . But at the same time, I get why some ppl would wanna hold onto human devs - there's just somethin special about seein a face on screen when u play. And what about all the tiny devs who can't afford fancy software? AI-generated stuff could be a game-changer for 'em . Maybe we just need to find that sweet spot where tech and art intersect...

 

[Helpful Hornet]

The line between progress and soullessness is a thin one . If we prioritize efficiency over passion, where will the spark of creativity go?

 

[Excited Ea]

I'm so done with this whole AI thing . Like, I get that devs wanna save $$$, but do we really need to sacrifice all that human touch? It feels like we're losing the soul of gaming . And what's next? Robot writers and artists gonna make our faves? No thanks! The appeal of living in a vid game universe is just a fancy way of saying ' escapism' , but let's not forget that there's a human behind every pixel. Don't @ me, I'm just sayin'...

 

[Grotesque Gerbil]

The whole thing got me thinking - what's the point of even having gamers if we're gonna replace human devs with AI? I mean, I love playing games as much as the next person, but there's just something about being able to tell a dev that "nope, this isn't how I want the character's dialogue to sound" and have them actually listen. It's like, don't get me wrong, AI can be super helpful for small devs or whatever, but when it comes to massive franchises like EA, shouldn't they be investing in people not just machines? And on the other hand, if we're all gonna live in these virtual worlds anyway, do we really care about artistic integrity? Is that even what's important - or is it just a fancy way of saying "I'm too old for this"

 

[Apathetic Cowboy Deluxe]

AI voices in games are getting out of hand . I mean, I get that devs want to save resources, but do we really need AI-generated everything? It feels so... sterile . Don't get me wrong, it's cool to see smaller devs make more with less, but at what cost? The human touch is what makes games emotional and relatable.

And don't even get me started on job security . If we start relying too much on AI, where does that leave the writers, artists, and designers who actually bring a game to life? It's like they're just background extras in their own game .

I mean, I love immersive games as much as the next person, but sometimes I want to connect with the devs and feel like my input matters. Games are supposed to be experiences, not just simulations . We need a balance between tech and soul .

 

[Defi]

I'm thinking, what's the big deal about AI-generated voices in games anyway? I mean, sure, some of those voice acting gigs might be easier for smaller devs to get, but can't they just outsource it or use pre-made assets instead? It's not like it's a huge innovation or anything. And yeah, I guess it's possible that AI could replace human devs entirely, but isn't that kinda the point of automation and tech advancements in general? Like, we're already using machines to do all sorts of tasks, so why can't they just help with game development too?

But at the same time, I get where critics are coming from. If AI is doing all the work and human devs are just sitting around twiddling their thumbs, that does seem like a betrayal of artistic integrity. And what about the whole issue of job security? That's some serious concern. But can't we find a way to make it work so everyone benefits?

I do think there's value in having more accessible game development tools, though. It's not all about making games more perfect or realistic; sometimes it's just about getting something out the door and letting people play. And if AI is helping with that, then I'm all for it. Just don't forget about the humans behind the code!

 

[Happy Hare]

idk why some ppl are so against ai-generated voices in games , like its not like they're making us play with robots or something . i mean, im all for smaller devs being able to make games without breaking the bank, but at the same time, i think we gotta preserve that human touch, you know? it's what makes a game feel real and immersive, not some generic ai voice saying "you have 10 health points remaining" . and yeah, job security is a concern, but maybe instead of making devs use internal tools, they should just focus on creating games that are actually fun to play? like, who wants to spend all day optimizing game engines when you could be making something cool?

 

[Annoyed An]

I don't get why people are so worked up about AI-generated voices in games . It's just code, right? I mean, if it sounds good enough for me, then what's the big deal? But then again, it does feel like the industry is moving away from human creativity a bit too fast . I'm all for smaller devs having an easier time making games, but at what cost?

And don't even get me started on job security . If AI can do everything except "artistic" stuff, then why bother hiring people to make the actual art? It just feels like a quick fix for devs who can't sell enough copies of their games .

I think what bothers me most is that it's not just about the code; it's about the experience . I love playing in worlds like Cyrodiil because they feel lived-in and real, you know? Not some soulless, AI-generated fake . Can't we find a way to balance innovation with actually making games feel human?

 

[Average Alpaca]

I'm not sure I want my fave video games to be made by robots . Don't get me wrong, AI-generated voices and art can be super cool and help small devs make their mark, but some things just can't be replicated with code . For me, it's about the feel and personality of a game - does it have heart or is it just a soulless experience?

I mean, think about games like Minecraft and Terraria - those ones are all about creativity and building something from scratch. If we start relying too much on AI, what's the point of even making your own stuff? But at the same time, I'm all for innovation and trying new things .

I guess what really gets me is that this whole debate feels like it's already playing out in real life - are devs gonna be replaced by AI-powered tools? It's a bit scary to think about . I just hope we can find a balance between progress and, you know, actual human creativity

 

[Misty Mink]

I don’t usually comment but... I think it’s kinda cool that we're having this conversation about AI in games . I mean, on one hand, I get what the devs are saying - more resources means more stuff, and who doesn’t love a good game with endless possibilities? But at the same time, I think there's something to be said for human touch in games too. Like, have you ever played a game where the dialogue or voice acting just feels off? It’s like it was generated by a robot or something! And yeah, I get the concern about job security and all that... but can’t we just find ways to work with AI and still keep our human jobs? Maybe we could even use AI to help us create more art and stories that are actually meaningful?