Imagine pouring countless hours into a game, only to feel like your time is being manipulated to squeeze out every last penny. That's the harsh reality many players face in the free-to-play model, and it's exactly what Embark Studios wanted to avoid with their upcoming title, Arc Raiders. In a bold move, the Swedish developer ditched the free-to-play approach, claiming it made designing the game “drastically easier” and allowed them to truly respect players’ time.
But here's where it gets controversial: Embark’s CEO, Patrick Söderlund, admits that while free-to-play games attract massive player bases, they often come at the cost of player experience. In a recent episode of their behind-the-scenes series, The Evolution of Arc Raiders (https://youtu.be/STfD5NLpg), the team revealed the challenges of balancing risk and reward in the extraction shooter genre. Their debut title, The Finals, launched as free-to-play, but for Arc Raiders, they chose a premium model, which they say freed them from the constraints of monetizing every player interaction.
Design director Virgil Watkins explains, “In free-to-play, you often have to make things stickier—more grind, more time sinks—to keep players engaged and encourage spending. It’s a delicate balance, and for a game like Arc Raiders, it felt like we were slowing players down unnecessarily. With the premium model, we could design crafting and sessions to feel natural and respectful of the player’s time.”
And this is the part most people miss: the shift to premium didn’t just streamline gameplay—it also forced Embark to rethink monetization. “We still need ways to make money that don’t feel predatory,” Watkins adds. “It’s been an interesting challenge, but one that aligns with our vision for the game.”
Initially announced as a free-to-play co-op shooter in 2021, Arc Raiders evolved into a PvPvE extraction shooter by 2023. The transition to a premium model in June 2024 marked another significant pivot, culminating in its October 2025 launch as the “most successful global launch” in parent company Nexon’s history (https://www.gamesindustry.biz/arc-raiders-becomes-most-successful-global-launch-in-nexons-history).
But here’s the question: Did Embark make the right call by abandoning free-to-play? Does a premium model truly guarantee a better player experience, or does it risk limiting accessibility? Let’s spark a debate—share your thoughts in the comments below!
