Arc Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, is making a bold move by launching between two major franchises: Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. This strategy has raised eyebrows, especially given the history of Titanfall 2, which struggled due to its release timing amid the blockbuster titles of Battlefield 1 and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. Despite being a superior game, Titanfall 2 was overshadowed and failed to gain traction.
However, Patrick Soderlund, CEO of Embark Studios and former executive vice president at EA, remains optimistic about Arc Raiders’ prospects. In a recent interview, he humorously referred to the situation as “insanity,” acknowledging the challenges posed by their launch window. Soderlund emphasized that their decision was based on careful consideration and a long-term vision for the game, expressing confidence that Arc Raiders can carve out its own space in the gaming landscape.
With a team of around 300 employees, Embark may not rival the size of EA or Activision, but Arc Raiders has generated significant interest among gamers. Recent data shows that the game has surpassed 264,000 concurrent players on Steam, indicating a strong start. This impressive player count is further supported by its “very positive” rating on the platform and a competitive price of $40, making it an attractive option compared to its larger competitors.
While it is still early in Arc Raiders’ journey, the signs suggest that it will not suffer the same fate as Titanfall 2. The combination of a well-received gameplay experience and an accessible price point positions Arc Raiders favorably as an extraction shooter that appeals to a broad audience. Soderlund’s optimism and the positive reception could signal a brighter future for the game in a crowded marketplace.