Embark CEO Praises Battlefield 6 and Promises Years of Support for THE FINALS

Embark Studios CEO Patrick Söderlund, once one of the key figures behind the Battlefield franchise during his long tenure at DICE, has shared his thoughts on the state of the series and his own studio’s future. In a recent interview with EDGE Magazine (issue 416), Söderlund reflected on seeing Battlefield 6 – a game made by his former team – release around the same time as Embark’s next project, ARC Raiders.

The timing, he admitted, felt surreal, but his tone was one of pride rather than rivalry.

“It’s odd,” Söderlund said. “We built Battlefield! But when I saw what they’ve done with Battlefield 6, I was impressed. You can tell how much work went into it. It looks really good, and honestly, I’m happy it does. It’s a franchise that deserves to be great.” He added that he plans to play Battlefield 6 – at least until the release of ARC Raiders – before inevitably switching over to his own game.

ARC Raiders, slated for release on October 30, takes a very different approach compared to Battlefield. It’s a PvPvE third-person extraction shooter, focusing on survival, scavenging, and teamwork in a sci-fi setting. Yet, the DNA of Embark’s roots is still there – large-scale combat, tactical coordination, and immersive world-building – all hallmarks of Söderlund’s experience at DICE. The game aims to bring something fresh to the genre while embracing a creative freedom not always possible in AAA corporate development.

Meanwhile, Embark’s first title, THE FINALS, continues to evolve. Known for its fast-paced first-person gameplay and heavy emphasis on environmental destructibility, the game has gone through its share of challenges since launching in December 2023. But Söderlund was optimistic. He explained that Embark takes a “12-month approach,” reviewing the game’s direction each year. “By the end of 2024, we decided to give it another year – and then in the spring, we saw a clear uplift,” he revealed. With renewed momentum, Embark now plans to support THE FINALS for at least another five years.

The recent Season 8 update added new weapons, improved the destruction physics system, and brought a wave of community enthusiasm back. The long-term commitment suggests Embark wants THE FINALS to become a living platform, growing alongside its players. For a studio built on innovation and experimentation, that philosophy fits perfectly. Söderlund’s remarks show a rare blend of humility and confidence – proud of his Battlefield past, but eager to build Embark’s own legacy with ARC Raiders and beyond.