What's Happening?
Arc Raiders, a new extraction shooter from Embark Studios, is gearing up for its release alongside Bungie's reboot of the classic shooter Marathon. Both games have recently undergone playtests, providing
a unique opportunity for comparison. Virgil Watkins, the design director for Arc Raiders, noted that the coincidental timing of the playtests allowed for an informal A/B test between the two games. This comparison enabled the teams to observe player reactions to different design choices. Despite the differences in the games, Watkins found value in understanding how players responded to each game's unique elements.
Why It's Important?
The simultaneous playtests of Arc Raiders and Marathon highlight the competitive nature of the gaming industry, particularly within the extraction shooter genre. Both games are vying for attention in a market that may not have enough demand to support multiple titles. The insights gained from these playtests could influence future design decisions, potentially impacting the success of each game. For developers, understanding player preferences and reactions is crucial in refining gameplay and ensuring a positive reception upon release. The outcome of these tests could shape the trajectory of both games and their respective studios.
What's Next?
As both Arc Raiders and Marathon move closer to their official releases, developers will likely continue to analyze player feedback from the playtests. This feedback will be instrumental in making final adjustments to gameplay and design. The success of these games could influence future projects within the genre, as studios seek to capture the interest of a potentially limited audience. Stakeholders, including developers and publishers, will be closely monitoring the market's response to these titles to inform their strategies moving forward.
