ARC Raiders PvE Test Logs Over 30 Million Plays as Embark Weighs Next Step
The play count shows demand for a PvE mode in a game built around player-versus-player tension, and Embark's cautious wording leaves the mode's permanent status open while it gathers data on how PvE and PvPvE populations would split.
Reporting from 1 source: Automaton.
Embark Studios reported that the ARC Raiders PvE matchmaking test, held from October 13 to 20 Japan time, produced over 30 million PvE plays. The studio said the test was polarizing and that it will decide future responses through data analysis and feedback, with a survey of sampled players starting October 22 and new information planned for November.
The test let players toggle "PvE only" matchmaking when selecting a map. In those matches, loot values were lowered overall, and other players dealt no damage even when attacked. Embark says it understands the test was polarizing and will weigh data and feedback with the health and fun of the game as the top priority.
Feedback on the official Discord has arrived in real time, with many players asking for the mode to become permanent. The test also produced play styles the studio flagged as reliance on others, such as players skipping combat to loot after a large enemy fell or waiting at a locked room for someone else to open it.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.