7.5 million players took to gameshow FPS The Finals for its open beta

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But the game attracted controversy for its use of AI-generated voices

A character stands with their back to a yellow wall, with 'THE FINALS' painted on it
(Image credit: Embark Studios)

Competitive, team-based FPS The Finals has just wrapped up its open beta which boasted an impressive 7.5 million players. 

In a Tweet, developer Embark Studios thanked players for "an unforgettable week" before stating: "Now it's time for us to hunker down and get back to work on all the fixes and improvements you helped us identify. GG and until next time!" 

We were very impressed with The Finals in its open beta state. In his coverage of the beta, editor-in-chief Jake Tucker suggested that the game "could be one of the next great multiplayer shooters."

However, despite the game's popular open beta and positive critical reception, it has attracted some controversy thanks to its generous use of AI voices. The game's in-universe announcers as well as the majority of the team voice lines use text-to-speech voice software, lending the dialogue a sense of awkward stiltedness. 

Though it's usual for developers to use such software to create placeholder lines in early game builds, it appears that Embark Studios is committed to using these AI voice lines. In a 'Meet the Makers' podcast, developers from Embark confirmed that AI would be used in the finished product, describing it as "extremely powerful" for allowing new lines to be implemented in "a matter of hours instead of months." 

Despite these issues, however, The Finals seems to offer satisfying and well-built game mechanics at its core, with team-based mechanics that center on three-man teams sticking close and having small-scale fights with the other squads - something fairly unique in the genre. The title's fast-paced, team-based combat prioritizes quick thinking and strategy, offering players plenty of gadgets to use in battle as well as a range of different character archetypes. 

We still have no news as to a concrete release date for The Finals, but, if the open beta is any indicator, Embark's team-based title is, despite controversies, in a strong position as it makes the final leg of the development journey.

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Cat Bussell
Cat Bussell
Freelance contributor

An editor and freelance journalist, Cat Bussell has been writing about video games for more than four years and, frankly, she’s developed a taste for it. As seen on TechRadar, Technopedia, The Gamer, Wargamer, and SUPERJUMP, Cat’s reviews, features, and guides are lovingly curated for your reading pleasure.

A Cambridge graduate, recovering bartender, and Cloud Strife enjoyer, Cat’s foremost mission is to bring you the best coverage she can, whether that’s through helpful guides, even-handed reviews, or thought-provoking features. She’s interviewed indie darlings, triple-A greats, and legendary voice actors, all to help you get closer to the action. When she’s not writing, Cat can be found sticking her neck into a fresh RPG or running yet another Dungeons & Dragons game.