Key Highlights
- Embark Studios confirms it will end support for PS4 version of “The Finals” due to focus on current generation hardware.
- “Arc Raiders” is performing exceptionally well and has received critical acclaim despite recent updates causing controversy among players.
- The decision to discontinue support for the PS4 version of “The Finals” comes less than a year after its release, highlighting trends in console support.
Embark Studios Ends Support for “The Finals” on PS4: Focus Shifts to Current Generation Hardware
In what appears to be a strategic move towards supporting the latest gaming hardware, developer Embark Studios has announced that they will discontinue support for their previous first-person shooter game, “The Finals.” This decision is particularly noteworthy as it comes just over 10 months after the PS4 version of the game was released.
Arc Raiders Soars While “The Finals” Sees Support Cut
The news comes at a time when Embark’s current release, “Arc Raiders,” is experiencing unprecedented success. Launched in late 2025, the game has not only garnered critical acclaim but also topped concurrent player numbers on platforms like Steam, easily outperforming its predecessor, “The Finals.” With over 260,000 concurrent players and an impressive 88% positive early reviews, “Arc Raiders” is clearly a hit among gamers. However, the controversy surrounding AI usage in “Arc Raiders,” as well as recent XP nerfs that have been met with mixed reactions from players, highlights the complex landscape of modern gaming.
Embark Studios’ Justification for Discontinuing Support
In a Twitter post, Embark Studios explained their decision to focus support on current generation hardware. “From this point onwards, you’ll need to play there to keep enjoying the game,” reads the official statement. Players are reassured that their progress and purchases will be stored in their Embark ID and can be transferred to any supported platform.
While the move is seen as a pragmatic decision given the age of PS4 hardware (12 years old at the time), it does reflect broader industry trends where developers are increasingly abandoning support for older consoles. “It feels like going forward, developers will have to abandon support for previous-gen hardware,” noted an anonymous source familiar with the gaming industry.
Implications and Future Projects
The discontinuation of support for “The Finals” on PS4 is just one aspect of Embark Studios’ ongoing projects. The company has two other, as-yet-unannounced titles in development. One concept is said to have a “lot more edge,” hinting at potential innovations or controversial elements that might challenge player expectations.
Meanwhile, “Arc Raiders” continues to generate buzz and controversy.
Players are divided over recent patch changes, with some feeling the latest updates detract from the game’s experience. However, others see these changes as necessary to maintain a balanced gameplay environment.
As Embark Studios navigates this complex landscape of gaming hardware and player expectations, their decisions will continue to shape both the future of “Arc Raiders” and their upcoming projects. The success of “Arc Raiders,” coupled with the discontinuation of support for “The Finals,” underscores the rapidly evolving nature of the gaming industry.
By Scott McCrae
