The recent limited-time Player vs. Environment (PvE) test for the upcoming shooter Arc Raiders saw significant engagement, with over 30 million PvE sessions played during the trial period. Embark Studios, the developer behind the title, is now analyzing this data to decide whether to implement a permanent PvE mode.
Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal acknowledged initial skepticism about introducing a PvE component. "Of course, we were a bit skeptical about bringing such a mode to the game for historical reasons," Grøndal stated in an interview with MP1st. "But now we need to discuss what we want to do going forward."
While some players have expressed concerns that a PvE mode might detract from the game's core PvPvE premise or potentially devalue in-game currency through loot inflation, the test aimed to mitigate these issues. Loot found in PvE lobbies offered lower-tier rewards, and the newest high-end items were not available, suggesting a potential solution to economic imbalance.
Grøndal elaborated on the challenges and potential of a PvE mode. "I think the game has an appeal in its nature and that a certain player type wants to play the game without the stress, you know," he explained. "Perhaps this is more a signal that the game could support more player types, and we need to figure out how to support that. The challenge, of course, is how we do that without undermining the premise of the game itself."
Embark is currently exploring various questions to guide their decision. "Is it more a chill side mode you can play between more intense PvPvE rounds? Is it more a challenge mode that you can test your skills against AI? Or perhaps it’s a full experience with PvE only?" Grøndal posed. The implications of each direction will significantly influence how future game updates are developed.
The implementation of a permanent PvE mode would necessitate careful balancing and considerations for future content updates that accommodate both PvE and PvPvE elements. Developers are also mindful of the demanding nature of live service games and the importance of avoiding developer burnout, a commitment previously highlighted by the studio.