Embark Studios is navigating a delicate situation with its extraction shooter, Arc Raiders, as some players express dissatisfaction with the pace of content updates. CEO Patrick Söderlund recently addressed these concerns, acknowledging player frustration while defending the studio’s approach to development and roadmap transparency.
The game, which launched to considerable interest on PC and consoles, has seen a steady stream of updates, including the recent “Cold Snap” update introducing the Snowfall map and new quests. However, not all players feel these additions are sufficient to maintain long-term engagement. Söderlund explained to IGN USA that the team is aware of the discontent, and understands why players might feel that way, but that a full picture of the development pipeline isn’t publicly available.
“What’s happening right now is that people are reacting to what we’re showing, and we know that some people are not happy with that,” Söderlund said. “And if I were a player, I would probably feel the same way. But the reason why that’s happening is because people don’t have all the details. And it’s not a good idea to put all the details out there right now.”
This reluctance to reveal the entire roadmap stems from the iterative nature of game development. Embark Studios is actively working on new content, and the studio acknowledges that timelines can shift. Söderlund emphasized a commitment to detailed update notes, aiming for a high level of transparency with the community as features solidify. This approach reflects a common challenge in the games industry, where publicly committing to specific dates can lead to disappointment if unforeseen issues arise during development.
The studio’s commitment to transparency is particularly noteworthy given recent challenges. As reported by Multiplayer.it, Arc Raiders, along with The Finals, was recently targeted by a “large and coordinated” Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. Such attacks can disrupt gameplay and server stability, adding another layer of complexity to the development and maintenance process. While Söderlund didn’t directly address the DDoS attack in his comments to IGN, it underscores the external factors that can impact a game’s development and release schedule.
Söderlund also addressed concerns about the game’s value proposition. He stated his belief that Arc Raiders remains a worthwhile purchase at its current price point of €40 (approximately $43 USD as of February 9, 2026). He acknowledged the risk of losing player trust if future updates fail to meet expectations, but reaffirmed the team’s dedication to delivering new content. This statement suggests a confidence in the core gameplay loop and a commitment to building upon the existing foundation.
The situation with Arc Raiders highlights the increasing pressure on game developers to maintain a constant stream of new content to keep players engaged. The live-service model, where games are continuously updated and expanded after launch, has become increasingly prevalent, but it also creates a demanding cycle of development and release. Players have come to expect regular updates, and studios must carefully balance these expectations with the realities of game development.
Embark Studios, founded by former DICE executives, entered the gaming landscape with high expectations. The studio’s pedigree, built on the success of franchises like Battlefield, created a certain level of anticipation for Arc Raiders. The game’s unique blend of extraction shooter mechanics and cooperative gameplay initially attracted a dedicated player base. However, maintaining that momentum requires a consistent flow of new content and features.
The studio’s response to player feedback, as articulated by Söderlund, suggests a willingness to listen and adapt. The commitment to detailed update notes and a transparent development process are positive steps towards building trust with the community. However, the success of Arc Raiders will depend on the quality and frequency of future updates. The studio faces the challenge of delivering on its promises while navigating the complexities of live-service game development and external threats like DDoS attacks.
The coming months will be crucial for Arc Raiders. Embark Studios has teased “multiple maps coming this year” that will vary in size, according to a recent report from PC Gamer. These maps, along with other planned content, will be closely scrutinized by players eager to see if the game can live up to its potential. The studio’s ability to deliver on these promises will determine whether Arc Raiders can solidify its position in the competitive extraction shooter market.
