ARC Raiders and Battlefield 6: Same Roots, Different Paths to Gaming Success

by

Summary

  • ARC Raiders highly publicized alpha received a very positive response, while little is know about Battlefield 6.
  • Embark Studios and DICE share a history, but ARC Raiders and Battlefield 6 have unique identities.
  • Different approaches to alpha testing show DICE and Embark are charting their own paths, and this could be good for both studios.

Over the past few days, I’ve found it quite intriguing to check out the ARC Raiders alpha version. The overwhelmingly positive feedback it has received reminds me of Battlefield 6 in some way. Given that many dedicated Battlefield enthusiasts are already familiar with Embark Studios, the developer behind ARC Raiders, it’s worth noting that several of its staff members previously worked at DICE on hit games like Battlefield 4, 1, and 5. While there are undeniable similarities between Embark and DICE, both studios have distinct traits that make them unique entities in their own right.

Instead of simply sharing a common legacy, the narratives surrounding ARC Raiders and Battlefield 6 bear an intriguing resemblance to each other. Both games have experienced longer development periods than anticipated, with both aiming to meet the high standards set by their enthusiastic fan bases. What makes this situation particularly fascinating is that these large-scale projects do not necessarily compete with one another. Instead, it appears as though two well-known studios are embarking on parallel journeys, respectful of their shared past and potentially coexisting harmoniously in the gaming industry.

ARC Raiders and Battlefield 6 Have a Few Important Things in Common

In contrast to ARC Raiders being a third-person action shooter with an emphasis on extraction, and Battlefield 6 focusing on team-based combat, they share some common ground. Embark Studios has experienced greater recent success compared to DICE, with The Finals serving as a successful debut for the studio, although its early release was not initially planned. The development of ARC Raiders took longer than anticipated, as it was originally hinted at in 2021, and the project has veered away from its original intentions of creating a PVE looter-shooter. However, this appears to have proved beneficial, as the alpha received positive feedback, fueling anticipation as time went on.

DICE’s Battlefield 6, much like an old friend waiting in the wings, has been eagerly anticipated. However, Battlefield 2042, intended as a heartfelt tribute to fans and a return to familiar grounds, seemed to have overlooked its own message. Many players found issue with the innovations presented in the game, like the large 128-player lobbies or Specialists, and it took time for the game’s reputation to recover. Today, 2042 is generally well-regarded by many, but the memories of its reception compelled EA to reconsider the franchise’s direction, leading to the inception of the Battlefield Labs initiative, where players are encouraged to test ideas for a potential future launch. This project, widely believed to be Battlefield 6, is eagerly awaited by many.

2021 saw the launch of Battlefield 2042, and with the next installment due out in this financial year, it marks the largest time span between Battlefield game launches.

DICE and Embark Share the Same DNA, and That Could Help Them Both

It’s clear that Embark’s work on ARC Raiders has generated quite a buzz, undoubtedly sparking some intrigue from DICE to observe what this independent team is up to. Not every gifted developer can achieve success by establishing their own studio. The Callisto Protocol, developed by ex-Dead Space team members, faced a wave of mixed reviews upon its launch and then found itself overshadowed by the highly praised remake of the original Dead Space game.

Despite the connection between “ARC Raiders” and “Battlefield 6”, they don’t necessarily have to compete directly. As a game focused on extraction, “ARC Raiders” doesn’t need to step on the toes of “Battlefield 6”. Extraction games often cater to specific audiences who appreciate the risk of losing their best equipment in unfavorable matches. In contrast, “Battlefield” is renowned for its widespread popularity due to its user-friendly style, which makes it appealing even for players with limited time each week. Interestingly, it may be Bungie that needs to be cautious about a game like “Embark”, given that the lackluster reception of “Marathon” demonstrates that there’s still a significant interest in extraction shooters, especially when they avoid allegations of copied art assets.

It’s been stated by Bungie that certain artistic assets within their games might have been contributed by an ex-employee, although at present, this allegation remains unverified.

Although some veteran developers from the Battlefield series have joined Embark, not everyone did, and the fresh talent brought on since Embark’s establishment has had time to refine their skills. Many of these developers were instrumental in providing post-release support for Battlefield 5, which was the last project led by Embark’s head, Patrick Söderlund, before he left EA. Despite some criticisms regarding the launch of Battlefield 2042, it can be assumed that DICE has gained valuable insights from both Battlefield 5 and 2042. This learning is evident in the cautious approach to Battlefield Labs, where DICE is attentively considering all feedback from playtesters with the aim of ensuring the next game starts off strong.

Like Ships Passing in the Night, DICE and Embark Are Going Their Own Ways

To clarify, it’s important to note that while both studios share the same game franchise, Battlefield, their methods are not identical. DICE’s alpha testing for Battlefield 6 has been more discreet compared to Embark’s public alpha. The inner workings of Battlefield Labs, where DICE is developing Battlefield 6, are tightly guarded secrets. Only brief glimpses of progress, such as enhanced destruction physics, have been shared. Recently, the DICE community team has been actively debunking speculation about potential features in Battlefield on Reddit, as there’s a lot of buzz surrounding controversial elements that may not make it into the final game.

As a fan, I understand that every developer has its unique approach when dealing with leaks, depending on their internal objectives. For ARC, exposing the alpha turned out to be beneficial, as ARC Raiders garnered substantial Twitch viewership throughout the alpha phase. However, what works for ARC might not be applicable to Battlefield, given the significant leaks, which mainly showcase aspects far from the final product, featuring numerous placeholder assets and glitchy textures. Given the high expectations and the desire to deliver a top-notch experience, it’s understandable that DICE would choose to maintain secrecy around the alpha, despite the leaks.

Keeping an eye on both the ex-DICE developers as well as their new studios is undeniably intriguing. It’s not often that two teams with such a rich shared history find themselves in similar situations, but they have enough unique qualities to avoid any unwanted competition. As ARC Raiders develops its gameplay, Battlefield 6 will remain a strong contender, and the success of either game should be celebrated by their respective fanbases.

Read More

2025-05-23 02:57