While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated the spotlight at The Game Awards 2025, it wasn’t the only title to walk away with major recognition. ARC Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, emerged as one of the evening’s standout successes by winning Best Multiplayer Game, beating several high-profile competitors.
The extraction shooter triumphed over heavy hitters such as Battlefield 6, Elden Ring: Nightreign, Split Fiction, and PEAK. Given the game’s strong player engagement and commercial performance, the award didn’t come as a major shock. What may surprise players, however, is just how far Embark Studios is planning to take the game.
A Long-Term Live Service Strategy
Speaking to PC Gamer, ARC Raiders art director Robert Sammelin revealed that the studio is thinking far beyond traditional post-launch support. Internally, Embark has mapped out a ten-year plan for ARC Raiders — and even that timeline is not considered a hard limit.
The goal, according to Sammelin, is to keep the game evolving for as long as players remain invested. ARC Raiders is designed as a true live experience, one that grows over time rather than following a fixed roadmap that eventually runs out of ideas.
Community Feedback Will Shape the Future
Embark Studios is also fully aware that the long-term success of ARC Raiders won’t be dictated by developers alone. Player behavior, feedback, and engagement patterns will heavily influence future updates.
Rather than forcing changes, the team plans to focus on systems and mechanics that resonate most with the community, while still introducing new challenges that refresh the experience. This flexible approach allows the game to adapt naturally as its audience evolves.
Expanding Enemy Variety Is a Key Focus
One of Embark’s current priorities is expanding the roster of ARCs, the game’s hostile mechanical enemies. The launch version of ARC Raiders intentionally featured a relatively limited selection, leaving room for meaningful additions later on.
The North Line update already introduced two notable new threats:
- The Matriarch, a more dangerous evolution beyond the Queen
- The Shredder, a close-range melee enemy designed to pressure players in confined spaces
These additions are intended to diversify combat encounters and encourage different tactical approaches.
Cold Snap Update Arrives Soon
The next major content drop, titled Cold Snap, is scheduled to arrive shortly. This update introduces a new environmental modifier called Snowfall, altering map conditions and gameplay dynamics.
Players can also expect the launch of the first in-game event, Flickering Flames, alongside a new Raider Deck and additional quests. On December 17, the Expedition Departure Window will open, allowing players to reset progression in exchange for unique rewards.
A Multiplayer Game Built for the Long Run
ARC Raiders’ victory at The Game Awards 2025 highlights more than just a strong launch — it signals the beginning of a long-term commitment. With a clear focus on sustained development, community-driven evolution, and regular content updates, Embark Studios is positioning ARC Raiders as a multiplayer experience designed to remain relevant for many years to come.
Quelle:https://www.pcgamer.com/games/third-person-shooter/our-ambition-is-to-keep-this-game-alive-for-the-longest-time-embarks-devs-want-to-keep-working-on-arc-raiders-as-long-as-players-engage-with-it-and-have-fun/
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