Embark Studios, known for its game The Finals, is maintaining a consistent visual identity for its latest release, Arc Raiders. The studio has deliberately chosen to avoid novelty costumes like T-Rex outfits or Santa Claus suits, instead focusing on immersive and consistent in-game cosmetics.
Design Philosophy and Aesthetic
Design Director Virgil Watkins stated that Arc Raiders will keep its cosmetic options aligned with the game’s post-disaster extraction-shooter setting. The goal is to allow player expression while staying true to the game’s tone and fiction. This decision reflects Embark’s intent to keep the game’s aesthetics grounded and cohesive.
Embark Studios emphasizes that generative AI was not used in designing Arc Raiders' visual and audio elements. The raider suits in the game are both sensible and stylish, while the Arc bots are designed to be imposing in both look and sound.
Market Reception and Player Engagement
Arc Raiders has already attracted a robust player base with over 200,000 players on Steam. The game's audio design and synth tracks have received praise from the gaming community, underscoring Embark's successful execution of a consistent visual and auditory experience.
While the game avoids novelty items, Embark does not rule out designing items that evoke popular themes if they align with the game's atmosphere and setting. This approach reinforces the studio’s commitment to protecting Arc Raiders' unique visual identity.
