Summer Game Fest this year was packed with some cool trailers, but one game that caught my attention was ARC Raiders. It’s a cooperative third-person survival shooter. It’s little sci-fi, little post-apocalyptic, and pits your squad against a mechanized alien force called ARC and other players.
After the beta a few weeks ago, I was feeling pretty great about it. It seemed like it was going to be a really fun game to dive into with friends, something fresh to spice up the gaming. But then, a plot twist! Initially announced as a free-to-play title, it turns out they’re now asking for $39.99. Wait, what?
I was all in on ARC Raiders, then the price tag ruined it
Let’s start with the good stuff. That Summer Game Fest trailer? Yeah, it was solid. I’m talking fast-paced action, explosive combat, and that sweet co-op vibe that made me want to grab my friends and dive in. The tech test a few weeks ago had really given me hope, too.
It showed off the game’s core mechanics, and it felt like this could be the new co-op game to jump into, something fun yet intense. The devs were even talking about post-launch expansions, new locations, and plenty of content to keep players coming back.
So, I was all in. And then… drum roll please… the bombshell dropped. They’re now charging $39.99. I mean, come on. This was supposed to be a free-to-play game! The kind you could just pick up, hop into, and enjoy with your friends without thinking about a price tag.
Now, I feel like a fool thinking about the game. Why would they switch it up at the last minute like this? The game was gaining momentum, and wasn’t the whole point to make it accessible to as many players as possible? It feels like a bait-and-switch, and I’m not sure I’m here for it.
The game might be going the wrong way, here’s why
Okay, here’s where I’m at: switching from free-to-play to paid? That’s a risky move, especially considering how ARC Raiders was promoted and clearly built with a free-to-play mindset. The structure, mechanics, and progression systems all pointed to a game that would thrive on accessibility, not a price tag.
But now? It’s asking for $39.99, and I’m not so sure it justifies that price tag. Sure, the graphics are decent, and the gameplay is fun, but it doesn’t quite feel like it’s worth what they’re charging. Additionally, their main hook was about offering this much for free. But now, it’s gone.
What really gets me, though, is the doubt it creates about the future of the game. When it was free, the excitement was all about how they would keep evolving, growing, and offering new content without a paywall.
Now that it’s a paid title, I can’t help but wonder: Will the devs still support it with the same level of care and updates, or is this just about cashing in on the hype? I mean, will we see those promised expansions, or will it feel more like a one-and-done release? (if it doesn’t match the expectations.)
The whole situation feels like a gamble at this point. While we have to wait and see the release to give the verdict, one thing is certain: this sudden change in model will scare many players away.
Sure, switching from F2P to paid doesn’t automatically spell disaster, but the real question is why the devs decided to change direction now. All their previous promotions focused on how ARC Raiders would offer something new for all players, so why pull the rug out from under them now?
ARC Raiders is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S on October 30.
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