Arc Raiders Before the Extraction Switch: Why It Struggled to Capture Fun, Even With Ex-Battlefield Devs Seeking New Experiences

Nearly four years ago, Arc Raiders made a splash at The Game Awards with its stunning trailer. It impressed everyone, including the developers. “I want to play that game,” said Patrick Soderlund, Embark CEO, reflecting on that moment in a recent Edge interview. But as development continued, the game didn’t quite match the excitement of the trailer. Internal tests revealed that while some parts of the game were enjoyable, they weren’t consistent enough.

Aleksandr Grondal joined Embark as executive producer during this challenging time. He expected to wrap up the multiplayer game, but it turned out to need a lot more work. “There were moments of fun,” he admitted, “but the game didn’t consistently click.” Soderlund agreed, noting that enjoyable moments felt rare—they happened about once in every 50 fights.

Recognizing this, Soderlund, who had spent three years on the game, grew concerned. He believed that despite their enthusiasm for the design, they had to face the truth: “This game is not fun.”

This led Embark to make a big shift from a PvE game to a PvPvE extraction shooter. At first, fans didn’t take the news well. Soderlund understood their disappointment but felt the change would resonate once they saw earlier game versions.

Interestingly, many of Embark’s founding members had left EA and DICE to avoid PvP games. Yet, they found themselves returning to what they knew, bringing a fresh twist inspired by titles like Shadow of the Colossus. With massive robots in the mix, the game carries a dreamlike quality reminiscent of classic adventure games.

Recently, enthusiasm for Arc Raiders surged following a technical test in April. Players responded positively to the new direction, and the game now ranks as the fifth-most wishlisted title on Steam, only trailing Battlefield 6. The excitement is palpable as players wait for the release after a long six-year development process.

What’s noteworthy in the gaming community is how fan feedback has shaped the game. With the shift to a PvPvE framework, players are enthusiastic about competing against both other players and the environment. This blend could keep gameplay fresh, encouraging teamwork and strategy.

As excitement builds for Arc Raiders, it’s essential for players to ensure their PCs meet the game’s requirements. If you’re searching for something to play in the meantime, consider trying out popular co-op games to keep you occupied.

Curious about Arc Raiders? Join the discussion in the community Discord server, where fans come together to share their thoughts and anticipation while battling giant robots.

For further updates, you can follow industry insights from sources like Edge and stay connected with the latest trends in gaming.

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