Embark Studios CEO Patrick Söderlund has revealed that the overwhelming success of Arc Raiders has granted the team "stability and long-term security" as they continue to support the extraction shooter through 2026. In a recent interview with IGN, Söderlund discussed how the developer has evolved positively, shedding light on the impact of the surprise hit game, which has sold over 12 million copies since its October 2025 launch, and its future implications for the team.
Söderlund addressed the "unfortunate" wave of mass layoffs that has shaken the video game industry over the past two years, creating uncertainty for developers of all sizes. However, for Embark, the popularity of Arc Raiders among PC and console gamers means safety and even expansion opportunities for the foreseeable future. "We can sustain ourselves for a long time on the revenue generated by Arc Raiders, providing financial security and employment stability for our team," he stated. "We're expanding our studio, hiring new talent, and aiming to develop more content for Arc Raiders and The Finals."
Arc Raiders was released on October 30, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S at a price of $40, following the studio's 2023 multiplayer shooter, The Finals. As of January 13, the game has sold 12.4 million copies and reached an all-time concurrent player peak of 481,996 on Steam, according to SteamDB. This success is expected to bolster Embark as they work on two new, unannounced games, though details on their nature or release dates remain undisclosed. Söderlund emphasized the team's momentum, saying, "It's a huge relief for any developer, and we're immensely grateful to everyone who has supported us by purchasing the game. We hope to offer competitive salaries and bonuses to our hardworking team members who deserve proper recognition."
The Stockholm-based developer has not officially disclosed Arc Raiders' exact budget or profits since its October launch, though 12.4 million sales roughly translate to $500 million in revenue, potentially higher. Industry analyst Michael Pachter recently estimated the project's budget at $75 million, as reported by Insider Gaming. While Söderlund declined to confirm specifics, he noted that this figure is "not too far off."
Currently, Arc Raiders is in the "Shrouded Sky" phase of its early 2026 roadmap, with Embark promising a new map condition, Arc threat, Raider Deck, and more. For further insights, you can explore the full interview and stay updated on the newly announced changes to Expeditions.
