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ARC Raiders: Battle Between AI Voices and Human Emotion in Future of Gaming
As ARC Raiders continues its steady development, Embark Studios, a mainstay of the shoot-and-escape game genre, is constantly refining the game's details, aiming to maintain mainstream industry tastes while developing its own unique style.
A week ago, Embark Studios announced changes to the game's voice acting, advocating for the replacement of the original AI-generated voices with real-life voice actors. CEO Patrick Söderlund believes this is crucial for enhancing the overall quality and player immersion.
To learn more, follow along as I continue.
Key Dialogues Re-recorded by Humans
Today, it's undeniable that ARC Raiders has achieved a significant market share, boasting sales and approximately one million weekly active players. This growing audience constantly puts the game in the spotlight. Therefore, the somewhat stiff AI voice acting is no longer suitable.
Early on, some players complained about AI dialogue sounding out of place in the beautifully designed world-building. This shows that the voice acting issues were already emerging. Embark Studios believes that actors imbue their recorded voices with rich emotion and experience. Subtle differences lie hidden within this.
Of course, Söderlund further clarifies that this doesn't mean replacing all AI lines with humans. He argues that for certain scenes in the game, such as those emphasizing emotional expression, crucial moments, and scenes involving subtext, human actors are clearly more suitable.
For the already well-received AI-generated clips, an upgraded approach will be adopted. This choice between human actors and AI demonstrates the developers' efforts to balance the daily workload and costs of game voice acting.
Embark continues to emphasize that the game's primary visual presentation is unrelated to generative AI. This clearly demonstrates the studio's firm stance and principles, conveying a clear boundary between intelligent tools and game style. It effectively answers previous controversies surrounding the alleged involvement of AI in the game's development process.
With the voice changes in ARC Raiders, the game's monthly sales reached 14 million, and weekly active users exceeded 6 million, which seems to reflect the players' attitude. The voice changes may seem like a minor step, but as a creative means of retaining players, they appear to be very successful. Voice is a companion for players in the game, and a human touch becomes key.
Voice acting quality consistently outweighs cost
With AI dialogue developing rapidly and becoming increasingly sophisticated, more and more game developers are choosing to abandon voice actors. However, it's not without flaws; the core issue is the lack of human emotional expression. This can be seen in easily overlooked pauses, subtle breathing sounds, and noticeably different tones of voice.
The shortcomings of AI dialogue are precisely where the professional skills of voice actors shine. It's worth mentioning that large-scale narrative games like Baldur's Gate 3 still use real actors, with a cast exceeding one hundred. This undoubtedly represents a significant investment of time, experience, and valuable effort from Larian Studios.
In fact, the economic benefits of the changes cannot be measured solely by the lower cost of AI; it's a crucial aspect of game strategy. Synthetic voices can adapt to the rapid pace of technological change, as frequent updates to game storylines necessitate quick selection of live-action voice actors.
However, it's important to consider the substantial number of game users. The existence of placeholder ships would force rework, undoubtedly eroding player trust and immersion.
Embark opted for a hybrid approach, combining AI and live actors. On one hand, AI ensures timely updates to the game's voice packs, improving operational speed. On the other hand, live actors primarily enrich emotional expression, providing nuance and complement.
This combination achieves the optimal voice solution to the greatest extent possible. Inevitably, the ever-expanding user base will lead to increasing costs, continuously posing new challenges for Embark Studios.
Outlook for AI Voice in Gaming Industry
The development of ARC Raiders is no longer as modest as it once was and comes at a critical time when the entire gaming industry is being forced to rethink AI. According to the latest gaming industry survey released by GDC, many game developers are beginning to use generative AI, which is a dangerous sign.
Fortunately, most developers remain concerned about the negative impacts of AI on games, and consequently, on employment, ethics, and quality. Convenience often leads to significant problems. This issue has attracted the attention of SAG-AFTRA and UK Equity, both of which strongly advocate for the need for permission to use synthesized voices in interactive media. Compensation and protection are also essential.
Currently, many studios are making moves in the field of AI voice synthesis. For example, using AI to simulate casual conversations and NPC dialogues, and using AI learning to complete dialogue for a deceased actor. It is worth noting that AI's capabilities are growing stronger and cannot be ignored.
Based on market feedback and analysis of diverse audience opinions, it's generally believed that while AI can compensate for shortcomings, it shouldn't be used to replace live-action performances. Tools must be used appropriately to fulfill their intended purpose.
Embark will also be making minor tweaks to the voice acting and some ARC Raiders Items; players can look forward to it. Knowing that ARC Raiders is focusing on live-action voice acting, do you have any thoughts on other aspects of the game?
…Path of Exile 3.28 Mirage League: The Return of 100% Physical Taken As And How Volatile Vaal Orbs Changed Everything
Path of Exile Mirage League launched on March 6th. This League allows for some very powerful defensive builds, primarily due to the addition of Keepers of Flame in League 3.28, including the Genesis tree and all Foulborn unique items.
In addition, the new League introduces Volatile Vaal Orbs, granting players previously unattainable Legendary item attributes. This guide will detail some of the powerful defensive builds in League 3.28, aiming to deepen players' understanding of the game.
Damage Taken As League Changes
First, we need to understand the core mechanic of PoE, Breach 2.0, and its impact on damage-taking builds, especially how to achieve 100% physical damage conversion. In League 3.25, many methods for converting physical damage to other damage types were significantly weakened or even removed. This has resulted in many builds no longer achieving the 100% damage conversion rate that was popular across multiple Leagues.
Then, in League 3.26, a new unique jewel, Bound By Destiny, was added, which could convert up to 10% of physical damage into elemental damage based on Conqueror Modifiers. However, this was still insufficient to compensate for the impact of previous League nerfs.
In League 3.27, Keepers of Flame, new Filthy gear was introduced, some of which once again unlocked the potential to convert 100% of physical damage into other types of damage. At that league, it was uncertain whether Filthy gear would be added to core gear, but it has now been officially added to core gameplay in League 3.28, with eight pieces.
Reaching 100% Physical Damage Shift
After League 3.28, these defensive setups are now usable in core gameplay. To convert 100% of physical damage received into elemental damage, you need to combine some unique items with Eldritch Implicit Modifier. It's worth noting that you can also use Lightning Coil to convert 50% of physical damage received into lightning damage.
In addition, there's the unique shield from Dawn Breaker, which converts up to 20% of physical damage received into fire damage. This brings your physical damage conversion rate up to 70%.
Then there's the unique jewel Bound By Destiny, which converts up to 10% of physical damage received into elemental damage. However, note that this jewel requires you to equip four specific Warlord-influenced items to activate.
Remember, you should avoid exceeding 100% of your damage conversion rate, as this attribute, unlike damage conversion, is not normalized to 100%. This means that if your conversion rate is significantly higher than 100%, you will take more damage than you would have originally received as physical damage.
Therefore, attributes like armor offer no real benefit beyond auxiliary mechanics like Molten Shell. With 75% base resistance, this means that regardless of how high the physical attack damage is, you will only take a quarter of the damage.
In PoE Mirage League, players must consider base resistance because many physical attacks deal significantly less damage than elemental attacks.
Regarding damage reduction itself, you can further enhance your damage reduction capabilities through Fortification, Endurance Charge, or Maximum Resistance if you wish.
This mechanism is very powerful, but it also has a significant drawback. It severely restricts your build choices, as you need to use specific gear to complement multiple gear slots.
In Path of Exile 3.28 League, the introduction of Volatile Vaal Orbs will increase your modifier cap by up to 22%. This means you may need to invest heavily in Path of Exile Currency on your gear; if your budget allows, you can quickly reach your desired modifier goals.
100% Shift with Corruptions
Lightning Coil can be corrupted with Volatile Vaal Orbs, increasing the percentage of physical damage received converted to lightning damage to 61%. This equates to an additional 11% damage conversion. Dawn Breaker does the same, increasing the percentage of physical damage received converted to fire damage to 24%.
This means that by equipping just two pieces of gear, you can achieve a damage conversion rate of up to 85%. After that, you can achieve 100% conversion by using Bound By Destiny with Eldrich helmet implicit.
Full Fire Taken Setup
Thanks to Volatile Vaal Orbs, you have another option. Converting 100% of physical damage to fire damage is especially important when using Sublime-Vision builds, as it converts all frost and lightning damage to fire damage. However, this setup is also very expensive.
Cloak of Flame can convert 49% of physical damage to fire damage through Volatile Vaal Orbs corruption effect. Then, Darnaw provides a 20% bonus. Eldrich helmet can convert up to 8% of physical damage to fire damage. Finally, using a Bound By Destiny jewel with four Warlord-influenced items can convert up to 10% of physical damage to fire damage.
Taken As Chaos Setups
Let's take a look at the last defensive setup for League 3.28. You can use Volatile Vaal Orb from Incandescent Heart Armor to convert up to 30% of elemental damage into Chaos damage. Meanwhile, Bound By Destiny, combined with four Warlord-influenced items, can convert up to 10% of elemental damage into Chaos damage.
This means you can convert up to 90% of the damage you take into Chaos damage. In addition, Fugitive Ring base introduced in Path of Exile League provides 2% maximum chaos resistance.
That concludes this article. Volatile Vaal Orb enables insane defensive setups in League 3.28, hopefully improving your gaming experience.
…200 Hours, 0 Blueprints: Is ARC Raiders'Drop Rate Killing the Fun?
Recently, Blueprints drop rate issue in Arc Raiders has sparked heated discussions among players. Blueprints are essential materials for crafting weapons and other items in the game. The late game revolves around the competition for Blueprints
Following a previous adjustment to an excessively high blueprint drop rate, the game developers have now lowered it to an excessively low level. This has negatively impacted the player experience.
So, why are players so concerned about Blueprints drop rate?
On one hand, an excessively high drop rate leads to a blueprint overabundance, with almost everyone possessing Blueprints, and the acquisition rate itself increases dramatically. Blueprints become less rare, disrupting game balance.
On the other hand, an excessively low drop rate significantly increases the difficulty of obtaining Blueprints, potentially leading to players spending considerable time without success. Some players have played for hundreds of hours without finding a single blueprint, while many others lack the time, making their chances of obtaining one even lower.
This has caused strong dissatisfaction among many players, making an adjustment to Blueprints drop rate urgently necessary.
Player-Desired Improvements
Some unlucky players believe that some Blueprints should be unlocked through quest rewards, not just through luck. This makes obtaining Blueprints extremely difficult for unlucky players. While Arc Raiders wasn't originally designed for all players to own all rare Blueprints, there should still be ways to acquire them through quests.
Some players with a high rate of duplicate Blueprints want to be allowed to exchange Blueprints for a certain ratio. Players could randomly exchange multiple learned duplicate Blueprints for a new, unlearned blueprint. Players may repeatedly obtain the same or already learned Blueprints, rendering these duplicates useless. An 8:1 exchange ratio could be considered, but it shouldn't be too low to avoid inflation.
Some players also want to be allowed to generate Blueprints using a certain number of rare items. Due to the randomness and uncertainty of Blueprint drops, some players find obtaining ARC Raiders Blueprints extremely difficult. If Blueprints could be generated using items, it would be excellent news for players.
For example, I need an Anvil blueprint, which can be obtained using a certain number of craftable items as raw materials (such as five snap hooks or twelve anvils).
Finally,players hope to establish a community where players can trade. In this community, players can obtain Blueprints they need through mutual trading, thereby increasing the market liquidity of Blueprints, preventing them from sitting idle in players' inventories, and meeting the needs of different players.If such a community can be established, it will greatly increase Arc Raiders's playability.
Collecting all Blueprints in Arc Raiders requires a significant amount of time, which is clearly unreasonable. Currently, ARC Raiders expedition system erases all player data, including Blueprints, after each expedition, forcing players to start over. In response to this, many players hope to retain 1-2 Blueprints and some additional rewards from expeditions.
Many players spend a lot of time farming Blueprints daily with little reward, causing their focus to shift from enjoying the game itself to simply playing for Blueprints. This guide provides some tips for farming Blueprints, hoping to be helpful.
Effective Ways to Farm Blueprints (Hacked Version)
For beginners, the advice for farming Blueprints is to explore the map, especially at night. During electric shocks and freezing weather, your chances of finding Blueprints will be higher, and the loot will be better. Reaching certain areas may require tools like grappling hooks or ziplines. Explore the game map freely and enjoy the game; you'll find Blueprints quickly.
If you want to farm Blueprints quickly, you can use a naked run. Jump into a night raid and rush to the areas with the most chests. Search as much as possible, paying especial attention to opening trash cans, suitcases, and various drawers. Then, choose the most valuable item and pocket it. After that, you can surrender or die.
Getting shot while looting is okay, but this method is best avoided in random team play, as it will burden your teammates and create a bad gaming experience.
If you happen to encounter other raiders, don't rush to draw your weapon. Greet them. If you've already learned a blueprint, drop it on the ground. Then point to the item on the ground and mark it. If the other player is also a Blueprint Hunter and has a Blueprint they no longer need, they might drop their Blueprints, and You could then exchange Blueprints, a win-win situation where both of you get the blueprints you want.
Ultimately, balancing Blueprint drop rates - giving players a greater chance to obtain Blueprints they don't yet own - is crucial to satisfying player needs and providing a better gaming experience. Hopefully, everyone will acquire Blueprints they desire in future games of Arc Raiders.
…Black Ops 7 November 25 Endgame Mode Update | Adds Disconnect Protection And Fixes Progress Loss Issues
Call of Duty Black Ops 7 released a small update on November 25th, addressing player-reported issues such as unexpected disconnections and game crashes causing lost progress in CO-OP campaign Endgame mode.
Below, we'll provide a detailed overview of this new mechanic, keeping you informed about the latest developments and enhancing your gaming experience.

Endgame Mode
As a new PvE mode introduced in CoD BO7, CO-OP campaign Endgame mode offers greater flexibility compared to traditional Call of Duty game modes.
This mode provides players with a wealth of missions and challenges, while the ability to freely explore the area allows players to control the pace of the game. Whether exploring solo or teaming up for cooperative combat, Endgame mode caters to your needs.
In the game, you land in Avalon. During your journey to the pick-up zone, you can freely explore the area, cooperating with other players to complete challenges and missions and level up your combat rank. The ultimate goal is to successfully extract with loot.
Avalon is divided into four zones, each with different requirements for players. As the difficulty increases, players will face more challenging missions and objectives.
To avoid repeated failures due to insufficient equipment and weapons, it's best to choose suitable items and upgrade their levels before the game starts to help you dominate.
There are many ways to upgrade weapons in Call of Duty Black Ops 7. Whether you choose to engage in dangerous adventures in multiplayer or Zombies modes, or hone your skills against equally skilled players in CoD Black Ops 7 bot lobbies, you can improve your abilities.
In each battle, your equipment will also improve. With repeated battles, you'll be able to easily handle the powerful enemies in Avalon's higher-level zones.
Also Read: CoD BO7 Best Sniper Loadouts & Game Settings | Perks, Attachments & Aiming Guide
Meanwhile, high-damage weapons will help you overcome difficulties in easier zones more quickly, unlocking more challenging content faster, and ultimately leading to the extremely difficult final showdown in CoD BO7.
Disconnect Protection Mechanism
The official patch note on November 25th mentioned the details of this update. The new disconnect protection mechanism introduced in this update preserves a player's combat rating in Endgame mode.
When a player lands in Avalon to start a match, the game automatically captures their current Combat Rating.
During the remaining game time, players can complete in-game challenges and missions to improve their Combat Rating, just as before.
However, if an unexpected event causes a player to quit the game or the game to disconnect, upon re-entering the game, the player will start the next match with their previously recorded rating.
This mechanism saves players time compared to restarting the game, allowing them to progress to higher levels more quickly.
It's worth noting that the developers mentioned developing a more robust mechanism to ensure player protection.
Imagine future games featuring more intelligent and customizable mechanisms. Players won't have to worry about losing their progress due to accidents; even if they accidentally quit, adjustments can be made to maintain their current progress instead of reverting to a previous state.
This update fully demonstrates that the official CoD Black Ops 7 team has always paid attention to the needs of players. This approach of constantly adjusting based on player feedback will provide players with a better gaming experience and win more players for the game.
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