Embark Studios, the developer behind the highly anticipated The Finals, has recently unveiled a significant transformation for their other project, ARC Raiders. Initially announced in 2021 as a free-to-play cooperative shooter, ARC Raiders has undergone a substantial retooling and is now set to launch as a premium title for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5 next year.

The shift in business model for ARC Raiders marks a strategic departure from the original vision. While the game was initially conceived as a free-to-play experience, Embark Studios has decided that a premium pricing model will better align with the game's design and player engagement. This decision reflects a growing trend among developers who are increasingly opting for premium models to provide a more focused and rewarding experience for players.

Embark explained the reasoning behind this shift Gamescom Opening Night Live, emphasizing the importance of balancing engaging content with monetization strategies. By adopting a premium model, ARC Raiders can prioritize player engagement and offer a more immersive experience without the constraints of free-to-play monetization. This allows the developers to focus on creating a game that rewards players for their time and effort.

While the premium model may seem counterintuitive for a studio that has successfully developed free-to-play titles like The Finals, Grøndal noted that each game has its own unique characteristics. ARC Raiders, with its emphasis on player engagement and meaningful choices, is particularly well-suited for a premium model. By offering a more focused experience, the developers can ensure that players feel invested in the game's world and progression.

Despite the changes in business model, Embark Studios remains committed to the core concept of ARC Raiders. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by ecological collapse, the game features underground cities where survivors struggle to survive. Players, known as Raiders, venture into the dangerous wastelands to scavenge for resources and face off against ARC machines and rival squads. This premise, initially envisioned for a cooperative shooter, has now been adapted for an extraction shooter genre.

The first trailer for ARC Raiders showcased intense shootouts, but recent gameplay footage reveals a more measured pace. Players familiar with extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov will recognize the gameplay loop, which involves carefully surveying the wasteland for loot and completing personal quests. The world is filled with AI-controlled enemies, rogue machines, and other players, making survival a constant challenge.

ARC Raiders is set to launch in 2025, and fans can look forward to a public tech test on Steam from October 24 to 27. This test will provide an opportunity for players to experience the revamped game and get a taste of the new direction Embark Studios has taken with ARC Raiders.