Patrick Soderlund Discusses Risky Release Strategy for Arc Raiders
In an industry known for its fierce competition, the launch strategy for video games can make or break success. Patrick Soderlund, CEO of Embark Studios, recently discussed the challenges faced by new titles in the gaming space, specifically highlighting Arc Raiders’ upcoming release amidst major competitors.
Patrick Soderlund Discusses Arc Raiders’ Risky Release Strategy
Soderlund’s concerns stem from the historical precedent set by Titanfall 2, which struggled to find traction after its launch. This game was sandwiched between two heavyweights: Battlefield 1 and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. Despite its quality, Titanfall 2’s sales suffered, showing the potential perils of poor timing.
A New Approach for Arc Raiders
Fast forward to the present, and Arc Raiders is set to launch between Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. During an interview with The Game Business Show, Soderlund referred to this timing as “insanity,” yet he remains optimistic about the outcome. He emphasizes that this decision was made after extensive consideration of various factors.
“We believe the game can launch right now,” he stated. Soderlund views this moment as the beginning of a long-term strategy for the game, rather than just a one-time event.
Embark Studios and Arc Raiders
Embark Studios employs approximately 300 people, making it a sizable, although smaller, entity compared to industry leaders like EA and Activision. Despite this, Arc Raiders has garnered significant enthusiasm among gamers. The title has recently exceeded 264,000 concurrent players on Steam, a promising start for its launch period.
- Launch coincides with Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
- Over 264,000 concurrent players on Steam.
- Game priced at $40, making it more affordable than competitors.
Positive Early Reception
The game’s current Steam rating is described as “very positive,” indicating a favorable reception from players so far. According to reviews, Arc Raiders is viewed as “an extraction shooter for the masses,” reinforcing its potential in a crowded market.
While challenges remain, Soderlund’s discussion of the release strategy suggests that there might be hope for Arc Raiders to succeed where similar titles have faltered. The gaming community will be watching closely to see if the strategy pays off in the long run.
