Embark Studios, the developer behind upcoming shooter The Finals, has responded to criticism it has received over the use of artificial intelligence voice performance in the title.

The company has come under fire for using AI voice-over in the game's open beta from both developers and voice actors. Now Embark says that

"We use a combination of recorded voice audio and audio generated via text to speech (TTS) tools in our games, depending on the context," an Embark spokesperson wrote in a statement to IGN.

"Sometimes, recording real scenes where actors get together — allowing character chemistry and conflict to shape the outcome — is something that adds depth to our game worlds that technology can’t emulate. Other times, especially when it relates to contextual in-game action call-outs, TTS allows us to have tailored voice over where we otherwise wouldn't, for example due to speed of implementation."

This came in the wake of Embark saying that it was largely using AI for voices back in the summer. The studio is now saying that it The Finals' open beta uses a mix of voice actors and temp audio from its own employees.

"In the instances we use TTS in The Finals, it's always based on real voices," an Embark rep said.

"In the open beta, it is based on a mix of professional voice actors and temporary voices from Embark employees. Making games without actors isn’t an end goal for Embark and TTS technology has introduced new ways for us to work together."

Embark was founded in 2018 by DICE and EA vet Patrick Söderlund. The venture is being funded by Korean games firm Nexon.