In a bold move that reshaped the balance of power in the video game industry, Patrick Söderlund, CEO and founder of Embark , revealed the record-breaking numbers achieved by ARC Raiders . This resounding success followed a decisive strategic decision to transition the game from a free-to-play model to a paid game priced at $40, a decision that proved remarkably sound.
Drawing inspiration from the success of Helldivers 2
Söderlund explained that the shift wasn't accidental, but rather the result of careful analysis of current market trends. The team drew inspiration from the phenomenal success of Helldivers 2, which demonstrated that players are willing to pay for a high-quality cooperative experience, free from the distractions of aggressive microtransaction systems in free-to-play games. He emphasized that the goal was to deliver real, tangible value to players from the outset, especially since the game focuses entirely on multiplayer and lacks a single-player campaign, making gameplay the sole criterion for success.
Historical sales figures in 2025
The fruits of this strategy were quick to appear, with the game recording sales exceeding 12 million copies during the last weekend of 2025 alone. Data indicates that Steam alone accounted for the lion's share with approximately 7 million copies, placing the game at the top of global sales charts at the end of the year, surpassing releases that were expected to dominate the market.
Outperforming Battlefield and Elden Ring
In terms of critical acclaim and awards, ARC Raiders received widespread praise from both critics and players, earning a strong score of 86 on Metacritic based on 57 expert reviews. This accolade culminated in the game winning the "Best Multiplayer Game" award at the prestigious Game Awards.
This victory is particularly significant as it came at the expense of massive titles with long histories and widespread popularity. The game outperformed Battlefield 6, a particularly symbolic achievement given that the founders of Embark Studios are former developers of the Battlefield series. It also surpassed the new expansion for Elden Ring: Nightreign. This accomplishment solidifies the studio's position as a rising force capable of delivering AAA experiences that rival the world's leading companies, and confirms that the mid-priced ($40) paid game model may be the ideal solution for the future of gaming services.
