Friends Per Second How Arc Raiders was able to generate the buzz that Marathon couldn't | FPS Podcast #81
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Oct 25, 2025 Aleksander Grondal, executive producer at Embark Studios, dives into the buzz around Arc Raiders, discussing server tests and player feedback. He shares insights on transforming the game from a PvE looter to a PvPvE extraction experience. Tim Schafer, co-founder of Double Fine, talks about the unique creative journey behind Keeper, highlighting their puzzle design choices and storytelling methods during the pandemic. Both guests offer fascinating perspectives on game development, community engagement, and the future of their projects.
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Different Pacing Between Big Shooters
- Arc Raiders and Marathon target different pacing and player expectations despite both being sci-fi shooters.
- Embark expects a more deliberate, positioning-focused experience versus Bungie's faster action.
Producer's Grind: Play, Fix, Repeat
- Aleksander balances hands-on software review with stakeholder meetings and family time during the prelaunch crunch.
- He plays multiple hours daily to find critical issues while splitting evenings between kids and additional work.
Flexible Live-Service Roadmap
- Arc Raiders will follow a flexible live-service cadence rather than rigid seasonal design at launch.
- Embark plans frequent updates but intends to adapt the model as player data and needs emerge.
