At G-Star 2024, Embark Studios and Nexon held a joint interviewdedicated to the third-person extraction shooter ARC Raiders. The authors revealed the reasons for changing the project genre from a PvE shooter to a PvPvE action game, shared plans for development and discussed the key features of the game that set it apart from its competitors.
Originally announced as a co-op PvE looter shooter, ARC Raiders has evolved into an action-packed shooter that pits players against other players and AI opponents. The developers explained that this decision was dictated by the desire to create a more intense and intense gameplay. According to Sven Grundberg, the studio’s brand director, such changes are a natural part of development, and the ultimate goal is to offer players a unique experience that combines loot mechanics, world exploration and survival elements.
During technical tests conducted during the summer and fall of 2024, the Embark Studios team focused on improving key aspects: AI behavior, loot system, and overall gameplay smoothness. The results of these tests confirmed the correctness of the chosen direction, and players noted a noticeable improvement in quality. Additionally, there was an emphasis on creating a more vibrant and engaging world where every player will feel like they are part of a larger community, whether exploring ruins, fighting robotic enemies, or interacting with other users.
An interesting feature of ARC Raiders is its unique visual style. The creators call it “post-post-apocalypse,” where the destroyed world is restored, and sparks of hope break through among the ruins. This contrasts with the gloomy atmosphere of other games in the genre, making the project more vibrant and attractive. The developers also plan to delve deeper into the history of the world, reflecting it in the design of enemies, locations and the player base.
When asked about the monetization model, the authors confirmed that they abandoned the F2P model in favor of premium sales, which, in their opinion, better suits the concept of the game. Despite this, ARC Raiders will be developed as a live service project with regular updates. Specific plans for updates have not yet been disclosed, but the developers note that they do not intend to be limited to the strict seasons typical of other action shooters.
During the interview, we also touched on the problems with cheaters that the studio’s previous game, The Finals, faced. As Grundberg emphasized, the team has learned from these cases and is paying special attention to ensuring fair play, including through cooperation with Nexon.
ARC Raiders is scheduled to release in 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
