Embark Studios Shifts Focus to Arc Raiders as The Finals Ends PS4 Support

Game developer Embark Studios pivots to next-gen technology amid Arc Raiders’ success

In a significant strategic move, Embark Studios has announced the discontinuation of The Finals on PlayStation 4, effective March 18, 2026. The decision underscores the studio’s growing commitment to next-generation gaming, as its latest hit Arc Raiders continues to gain massive traction across global gaming charts.

According to the report from The Times of India, Embark Studios explained that this transition allows the development team to fully utilize modern hardware capabilities without the technical constraints imposed by older consoles. Player progress and purchases from the PS4 version of The Finals will seamlessly transfer to newer platforms through the Embark ID system, ensuring a smooth migration for long-term players.

The Finals Bows Out as Embark Studios Embraces Next-Gen Focus

The end of PS4 support for The Finals marks a turning point for Embark Studios, signaling a clear departure from legacy systems. The company stated that maintaining parity across generations had become a trade-off they were “no longer willing to make.”

Season 10 of The Finals is expected to launch alongside this change, introducing new mechanics, modes, and graphical upgrades that simply cannot be supported by last-gen hardware. For PS4 players, this development comes as a disappointment, as the version had barely celebrated its one-year anniversary before being sunset.

Industry observers view this move as part of a broader trend in gaming—developers consolidating resources to enhance performance, visuals, and live-service infrastructure for more powerful systems like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Arc Raiders: The Catalyst Behind Embark Studios’ Strategic Shift

The decision to pivot toward Arc Raiders was likely accelerated by the title’s explosive success. Since its release in late October 2025, the cooperative sci-fi shooter has rapidly grown into one of the year’s most-played games, boasting millions of concurrent users and outperforming established franchises in the shooter genre.

The game’s combination of high-end visuals, dynamic combat, and open-world exploration has captivated the community. Its success not only solidifies Embark Studios’ reputation as an innovative force in the gaming industry but also raises the stakes for their development roadmap moving forward.

As Arc Raiders continues to dominate streaming platforms and player engagement metrics, Embark Studios appears determined to double down on this momentum. With more live-service updates and cross-platform enhancements on the horizon, the studio’s pivot is a calculated bet on sustaining long-term relevance in the next-gen ecosystem.

What This Means for Players and the Gaming Industry

The decision to retire The Finals on PS4 is emblematic of a broader shift in the industry. As next-gen adoption rates climb, developers like Embark Studios are prioritizing innovation and player experience over backward compatibility.

While some players may view this as a loss, the studio’s emphasis on progress—combined with seamless migration options—suggests a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes the future of its gaming ecosystem.

Embark Studios’ dual focus on optimizing Arc Raiders and future-proofing The Finals sets a precedent for how live-service titles can evolve beyond generational hardware limits.

Looking Ahead

With The Finals transitioning away from PS4 and Arc Raiders leading the charge, Embark Studios is positioning itself as a next-gen powerhouse ready to redefine the multiplayer experience. As the studio continues to expand its creative footprint, players can expect bolder, faster, and more immersive content built for the latest platforms.

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