The open beta of THE FINALS has drawn hundreds of thousands of players since its launch on October 26. However, the game has received substantial criticism for using AI-generated voices for its announcers, leading the developers to address the concerns and clarify that the removal of voice actors is not their ultimate goal.
This week, it was revealed that Embark Studios’ latest first-person shooter, THE FINALS, relies on AI-generated voices for most of its dialogue. An interview with the game’s lead audio designers on Spotify disclosed that only sounds that cannot be adequately generated, like grunting, breathing, and vaulting, were recorded in a studio.
The rest of the dialogue, as explained by the designers, is generated by AI, which they believe meets the game’s quality standards. However, many players who have participated in THE FINALS open beta this week have expressed disagreement.
The use of AI voices in THE FINALS has sparked significant criticism from both the general public and industry experts. In response, the developers have emphasized that not all elements are AI-generated and that human input remains essential.
Sven Grundberg, the director of communications at Embark, stated in an interview with Axios that the game employs a combination of human and AI voice work. According to Grundberg, human voice work “adds depth to our game worlds that technology can’t replicate,” but AI is used in cases where human voice work is not suitable.
Both Grundberg and the audio designers argue that the implementation process is time-consuming. They claim that AI enables the rapid inclusion of voices in a matter of hours, as opposed to months, allowing more time for other aspects of game development.
Grundberg also stressed that both human and AI voice work rely on real people, including professionals and Embark employees who contribute their voices to THE FINALS.
The issue of AI-generated content has been a topic of discussion since the summer, prompted by strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). These strikes sought fairer working conditions in the writing and acting industries, with a focus on protecting against AI use, particularly in vocal and facial reconstruction.
Voice actors in the gaming industry have also considered striking with similar demands related to AI-generated content. The ethical and quality implications of AI technology are prominent in these discussions, and it is disheartening to see a major esports title fully embrace this technology.