ARC Raiders has taken the gaming world by storm at the start of 2026, capturing the top spot as the leading live service game. Reports suggest that SteamDB identified it as the top-selling premium product on Steam during the Holiday week, surpassing even the Steam Deck and Battlefield 6. With over 428K concurrent users, ARC Raiders is currently outpacing Battlefield 6 in player engagement. Despite Battlefield 6 having higher overall sales, ARC Raiders has made a remarkable impression.
A Record-breaking Launch
Publisher Nexon has declared ARC Raiders the company’s most successful launch, boasting over four million units sold in its first twelve days. Now approaching ten million sales across platforms, it was the most searched video game on Google in 2025. Praised at The Game Awards 2025, it clinched the title of Best Multiplayer Game, establishing its presence as a major player in the gaming industry.
AI Controversy and Industry Perspectives
The game hasn’t been without its share of debate, especially over its use of AI-based text-to-speech. Eurogamer’s review, which gave the game a low rating due to this feature, sparked considerable discussion. Industry leaders, including Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney and Nexon CEO Owen Mahoney, have spoken out about the increasing role of AI in gaming. Embark founder Patrick Söderlund has advocated for AI, suggesting it enhances development and player experience without replacing human jobs. He emphasizes AI’s potential as a valuable tool for developers.
Söderlund highlights that AI is used to streamline development processes, allowing faster updates and improvements. **He stresses that AI is not about job replacement but enhancing workflow efficiency, benefiting both developers and players alike.**
Embark Studios operates with around 350 developers, positioning itself as a notable triple-A team, albeit smaller than giants like Call of Duty or Battlefield developers. The conversation on AI’s role in gaming continues to evolve, leaving room for further debate and exploration. Do you agree with Söderlund’s views? Share your thoughts in the comments.