Embark Studios is cautious about fully embracing AI, yet recent criticism has not altered its perspective
Embark Studios is addressing concerns regarding its incorporation of AI in developing the game Arc Raiders. The studio expressed that while it acknowledges the recent criticism, its stance on AI use remains unchanged. The studio is cautious about rapidly integrating AI, emphasizing no immediate plan to aggressively expand its AI-related initiatives.
An interview with PCGN featured insights from art director Virgil Watkins. He explained that the primary consideration with any tool, including AI, is whether it offers capabilities previously unavailable or enhances the final product. For instance, the implementation of text-to-speech technology enabled the team to introduce voiceovers at a time when the resources to achieve this traditionally were lacking.
Watkins advocated for a measured approach, indicating: "Does the quality meet our standards? If not, we must reconsider our methods." He clarified that the studio does not plan to widely embrace AI or related technologies without a strategic purpose.
Reflecting on the development process, Watkins noted the importance of exploring new technologies and crafting personalized tools to maximize productivity with the given team size. This strategy, he suggests, will persist, with continued attention to emerging tech to sustain content creation at the current scale.
Patrick Söderlund, CEO of Embark Studios, addressed last week's criticism by confirming the company's focus on people, reinforcing that the gaming industry is fundamentally about human talent. He emphasized that AI is not intended to diminish the role or investment in human resources, specifically in relation to Arc Raiders.