AI Revolution in Gaming: Nexon CEO Discusses Widespread AI Use in ARC Raiders and More

The recent launch of ARC Raiders has ignited significant discussion within the gaming community, largely because of its development process. At the heart of this conversation sits Junghun Lee, the CEO of Nexon, the parent company behind the developer Embark Studios. Lee offered his perspective in an interview, addressing the burgeoning role of generative AI not just in ARC Raiders, but across the future of game development for Nexon's portfolio.

The controversy surrounding ARC Raiders isn't entirely new ground for Embark Studios. Their 2023 title, The Finals, also faced scrutiny over AI usage during its creation. This time, the concern was addressed transparently in ARC Raiders' Steam store listing, which explicitly states that the game's visuals are "completely not using generative AI." However, the studio acknowledges employing text-to-speech technology for some voiceovers – a practice they admit to using in The Finals as well. Embark Studios' stated strategy involves using AI and machine learning not just for content generation, but as tools to manage team size and foster sustainable development practices within the studio.

Lee's take on the broader impact of AI is pragmatic. He firmly believes that AI is already "inevitable" in the industry. "First, we must recognize that every game company is using AI," he stated. This isn't necessarily about replacing human roles wholesale, but about augmenting workflows and boosting efficiency. He sees AI as a force that, much like previous technological shifts, is raising the baseline quality across the board. "It’s pushing the average quality level higher," he noted. But this brings a crucial question to the forefront: If everyone has access to similar tools, how does one company differentiate itself?

For Lee, the answer lies squarely in human creativity. He argued that in an environment where AI elevates the baseline, the unique spark of human imagination becomes the critical differentiator. "The real question becomes: how do we stand out?" Lee posed. "Choosing the right strategy to enhance competitiveness is key, and that strategy is rooted in human creativity." The challenge, he implies, is not to avoid AI, but to leverage it in ways that truly add value, pushing beyond mere efficiency gains to foster genuinely novel experiences.

This perspective raises an interesting point. While Lee paints a picture of ubiquitous AI adoption, the reception of AI-integrated games like ARC Raiders remains uncertain. Will players embrace titles built, in part, with the assistance of algorithms, or will the perceived "human touch" become a valued commodity increasingly hard to find? Initial player feedback on ARC Raiders itself offers a preliminary, but crucial, data point. Some discussions online hint at mixed reactions, perhaps reflecting a divide between appreciation for technical efficiency and a desire for more distinctly human-driven content and creativity. This uncertainty highlights that the path of AI in gaming isn't just about technical integration; it's also about navigating evolving player expectations and maintaining the perceived authenticity of the gaming experience.

Beyond the specific case of ARC Raiders, the Nexon CEO's comments reflect a broader industry trend. Major publishers and developers are actively exploring AI's potential across the entire game development lifecycle, from initial concept and character design to procedural generation of environments and even writing assistance. While the visual disclaimer for ARC Raiders suggests caution, the underlying trend is clear: AI isn't a niche tool but a fundamental part of the modern game development toolkit, poised to reshape everything from small indie studios to large AAA houses.

The journey of AI in gaming is just beginning. It promises efficiency and new creative avenues, but its ultimate success will depend on how developers like Lee at Nexon navigate the complex interplay between artificial intelligence and human ingenuity, ensuring that technology serves the core goal: delivering compelling and memorable gaming experiences. The conversation isn't just about if AI is used, but how it's used, and what unique value it brings to the evolving landscape of interactive entertainment.