Insights from the Developers of Arc Raiders: Expanding Horizons in Game Design

Arc Raiders, the cooperative extraction shooter from Embark Studios, is carving a niche in the burgeoning genre of PvE and PvP mingling. Recent discussions led by Tim Clark from PC Gamer with design director Virgil Watkins and audio director Bence Pajor shed light on various intriguing aspects of the game, including matchmaking systems, expedition mechanics, and the artistic choices that shape the Arc Raiders experience.

The Concept of Matchmaking: Beyond Aggression-Based Labels

One of the most controversial elements in Arc Raiders is its so-called “aggression-based matchmaking” (ABMM). This term has stirred significant discourse within the player community, as some feel locked out of PvP-centric gameplay while others lament being targeted even in more PvE-focused settings.

Watkins addressed the misconceptions surrounding ABMM, emphasizing that the system is far from binary. “People feel as though shooting just one raider puts you into an aggressive lobby. But that’s not how it works,” he explained. The matchmaking algorithm considers a range of player behaviors rather than relying on singular actions to classify players. It’s a nuanced mix that depends on a series of engagement patterns rather than isolated incidents.

This complexity is essential not only for enhancing player experience but for fostering the emergent gameplay that Arc Raiders aims for. The developers recognize the need for crafting a dynamic atmosphere where players can forge their narratives, leading to unexpected alliances and rivalries.

Balancing PvE and PvP Elements

The collision of PvE and PvP experiences within Arc Raiders requires delicate balance. The game seeks to maintain excitement and risk associated with player interactions, but also cater to those who prefer more friendly encounters. Watkins shared insights into how they hope to balance these two audiences effectively.

“The game needs that element of tension and risk from other players to be good,” he stated, highlighting a commitment to never restrict players strictly into peaceful or aggressive gameplay. Adjustments to encounters, like boss fights, are already in motion, as they evaluate player engagement and strive for an enjoyable yet challenging environment.

Expeditions: A Work in Progress

The discussions steered toward the recent introduction of Expeditions, a game mode offering players rewards and challenges. Watkins and Pajor acknowledged that the currency system used in this mode is a work in progress, with aspirations for more enriching game loops tied to it.

“It’s a bit of an experiment,” said Watkins, noting that they aim to refine how players engage with the expedition quests. The developers are keenly aware of player feedback regarding the difficulties of reward systems and are hopeful for enhancements that maintain excitement without overwhelming players.

Live Service Challenges

Running a live service game creates its own set of challenges. Watkins noted the abrupt shifts that developers often have to make in response to unforeseen issues, such as server outages or bugs, often at the expense of ongoing development.

“The scale we have now was unexpected,” he mentioned, revealing how quickly and extensively new players have engaged with Arc Raiders, leading to unpredicted scenarios that require immediate attention from the team. This on-the-fly decision-making necessitates a shift in focus from long-term projects to urgent fixes.

Audio Design: Breathing Life into the Game Atmosphere

Bence Pajor elaborated on audio design, offering a behind-the-scenes look into how the studio crafts a soundscape that enhances gameplay. The team employs real-world sound recordings to bring authenticity to the weaponry, resonating with the game’s theme of repurposed junk as arms.

“Our audio is inherently tied to how the weapons are visually represented,” Pajor explained. He emphasized the importance of creating a balance between natural sounds and the machinery that inhabits the Arc Raiders universe. Whether capturing mundane daily noises or the tension-inducing cues that signify imminent danger, the sound design seeks to elevate the player’s emotional engagement.

Future Horizons: Continuous Iteration

As Arc Raiders moves through updates and expansions, the team is open to player feedback and willing to iterate on their systems, striving for improvements while maintaining a core experience that is engaging and fulfilling.

Discussions around future weapon additions and player mechanics suggest a flexible approach to content updates, with the aim of ensuring a steady flow of exciting new elements without compromising gameplay quality. This ongoing dialogue with the player community will be crucial for tuning the game experience to better match player desires and expectations.

In essence, the interviews with Watkins and Pajor illuminate Embark Studios’ commitment to fostering a vibrant gaming ecosystem where mechanics and player interactions seamlessly intertwine, resulting in a distinctive and entertaining experience in the Arc Raiders universe.