Reaction from the field
The recent rollout of Patch 1.20.0 for Arc Raiders has brought about significant gameplay balancing changes that are expected to impact player experience. Among the notable adjustments is the reduction in damage and fire-rate for the weapon Il Toro, which has seen its pellet damage decrease from 7.5 to 7, and its base fire-rate drop from 43 to 38. These changes are part of a broader effort by Embark Studios to refine gameplay mechanics and enhance balance.
In addition to weapon adjustments, the update introduces new cosmetics, including the Rawhide Outfit and two new haircuts, which aim to provide players with more customization options. The studio has also adjusted the total reload time of Il Toro, increasing it from 4.3 seconds to 5.7 seconds, while the base dispersion has been increased from 4.5 to 6. These changes are intended to create a more balanced gameplay environment, responding to player feedback for adjustments.
However, the update comes amid controversy for Embark Studios, as the company recently parted ways with co-founder Rob Runesson following allegations of misconduct. Although the investigation into these claims did not substantiate the allegations, the studio has taken the matter seriously, stating, “We take these matters seriously, and as a part of our process for addressing any types of allegations, we immediately hired a law firm to conduct an external investigation.” This situation has led to a pause in esports efforts for evaluation and review.
The allegations against Runesson were shared anonymously and involved a female streamer, raising concerns within the community. Embark Studios has emphasized its commitment to addressing such issues and ensuring a safe environment for all players and staff. The pause in esports activities reflects the studio’s intent to reassess its approach and ensure that its competitive scene aligns with its values.
In terms of gameplay adjustments, the studio has also reduced the sell price of Energy Clips from 1000 to 200 coins, a move aimed at aligning profitability with other crafts within the game. Embark Studios noted, “Energy Clips have unintentionally become a very profitable craft, so we are reducing the sell price to make the value profitability in line with other crafts.” This adjustment is expected to create a more equitable economic environment for players.
Players have expressed mixed reactions to the changes, with some welcoming the adjustments to weapon balance while others are concerned about the implications of the misconduct allegations on the studio’s reputation. The studio has committed to monitoring the impact of these changes closely, stating, “We will of course continue to keep a close eye on this to see how it plays out in practice, and make additional adjustments when needed.” This proactive approach indicates that the studio is willing to adapt based on player feedback and the evolving landscape of the game.
As the community processes these changes, uncertainties remain regarding the future direction of the studio and its esports initiatives. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how long the pause in esports efforts will last and what specific changes may be implemented moving forward. The situation continues to develop, and players are keenly observing how Embark Studios will navigate these challenges while maintaining the integrity of Arc Raiders.
