Nexon CEO: AI is the New Standard in Gaming After Arc Raiders Launch
In a significant statement reflecting a major shift in the games industry, the CEO of Nexon has suggested that the use of artificial intelligence in development is no longer the exception but the rule. Following the recent launch of the highly anticipated extraction shooter *Arc Raiders*, developed by Nexon subsidiary Embark Studios, CEO Lee Jung-heon articulated a belief that it is now "important to assume that every game company is now using AI," signaling a turning point in how major publishers view the technology's role in creating interactive entertainment.
The comments arrive at a pivotal moment, as both developers and players grapple with the ethical and practical implications of integrating AI into the creative process. This perspective from the head of a titan like Nexon, which oversees a massive portfolio of games, adds considerable weight to the argument that AI is an unavoidable and integral part of the future of game development.
The CEO's Stance on an AI-Driven Industry
Lee Jung-heon's assertion frames AI not as a futuristic concept but as a present-day reality. His statement implies that studios across the board, from small indie teams to AAA behemoths, are leveraging artificial intelligence to some degree. This could range from optimizing workflows and bug testing to more creative applications like generating environmental assets, character dialogue, or even foundational code.
By suggesting that we should assume its universal adoption, the Nexon executive is effectively normalizing the practice. The message is clear: AI is no longer a niche tool for experimentation but a fundamental component of the modern development toolkit. This perspective aims to shift the conversation from if AI should be used to how it can be best implemented to create better, more expansive, and more efficient gaming experiences. This viewpoint suggests that staying competitive in the rapidly evolving market may soon require a mastery of these new technological tools.
The Embark Studios and Arc Raiders Context
The timing of this declaration is no coincidence. It comes as Nexon's own Embark Studios pushes its latest title, *Arc Raiders*, into the hands of players. The free-to-play sci-fi extraction shooter has generated significant buzz for its intense gameplay and unique retro-futuristic aesthetic. However, Embark Studios is also a notable case study in the industry's AI debate.
The studio previously faced public scrutiny and discussion for its use of AI-generated voice lines in its other hit title, *THE FINALS*. While the studio clarified that it used a mix of recorded voice actors and AI text-to-speech tools for its in-game announcers, the news ignited a passionate conversation among players and voice actors about the potential for AI to displace human talent.
Given this history, the Nexon CEO's comments can be seen as a defense of his subsidiary's methods and a broader endorsement of an AI-assisted development philosophy. It positions Embark Studios not as an outlier but as a pioneer operating on the industry's cutting edge, embracing tools that its parent company believes are becoming standard practice everywhere.
The Broader Industry Debate on Artificial Intelligence
The use of AI in gaming is one of the most contentious topics in the industry today. While AI has been used for decades in simpler forms, such as crafting enemy behavior and procedural generation, the rise of generative AI has introduced a new layer of complexity and controversy. The debate generally revolves around a few key points:
- Efficiency vs. Artistry: Proponents argue that AI can dramatically speed up development, allowing smaller teams to create vast worlds and complex systems that would otherwise be impossible. It can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up human developers to focus on more creative and innovative work.
- Ethical Concerns: Critics raise serious ethical questions, particularly regarding the replacement of human artists, writers, and voice actors. There are widespread concerns that relying on AI could devalue creative skills and lead to job losses within the industry.
- Originality and Copyright: The legal and creative ramifications of using AI-generated content are still being explored. Questions about who owns AI-created art and whether a game built with these tools can be considered truly original are at the forefront of the discussion.
- Player Perception: Gamers are divided. Some are excited by the potential for more dynamic and endlessly replayable games, while others worry that an over-reliance on AI will lead to generic, "soulless" experiences that lack the distinct touch of human creativity.
What This Means for the Future of Games
When the leader of a company as influential as Nexon makes such a definitive statement, it signals a powerful current in the industry's direction. It suggests that major publishers are moving beyond the experimental phase and are actively integrating AI into their long-term strategies. For players, this could mean several changes in the coming years. We may see games with more reactive and intelligent NPCs, worlds that are dynamically generated and change over time, and a faster pipeline of content for live-service titles.
However, it also ensures that the debate surrounding AI's role will only intensify. As more companies openly adopt these tools, the calls for transparency, ethical guidelines, and protections for creative professionals will likely grow louder. Lee Jung-heon's statement has drawn a line in the sand, positioning Nexon and its studios as advocates for an AI-integrated future, a future that is rapidly becoming our present.
FAQ: AI in Game Development
What did the Nexon CEO say about AI?
Nexon CEO Lee Jung-heon stated his belief that it is important to assume that every game company is now using artificial intelligence to some degree in its development process, framing AI as a new industry standard.
Why are Arc Raiders and Embark Studios part of this conversation?
*Arc Raiders* is the latest game from Embark Studios, a subsidiary of Nexon. Embark has previously been a subject of discussion for its use of AI tools, particularly for voice work in its other popular game, *THE FINALS*. The CEO's comments are therefore seen as relevant to his own studio's practices.
Is using AI to make video games a new practice?
No, AI has been used for decades to control enemy behavior and procedurally generate content like maps or loot. However, the recent rise of generative AI—which can create new art, text, and audio—is a more recent and controversial development in the creative fields of game design.
What is Arc Raiders?
*Arc Raiders* is a free-to-play, third-person cooperative extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios. Players team up to fight against robotic enemies called ARC and loot resources from a post-apocalyptic Earth.