As the launch date drew closer, the developers fundamentally shifted their strategy regarding the game’s monetization.
Although Arc Raiders was released as a $40 premium title, Embark Studios had originally planned a very different distribution model, initially intending for the project to be free-to-play.
In a recent discussion with GamesBeat, studio head Patrick Söderlund detailed the factors that led to the adoption of a traditional purchase model:
[…] We looked closely at the success of Helldivers 2 and similar titles and concluded, “This is where we need to be.” Whether this was the absolute correct choice is open for debate, but it was a decision we felt necessary. I appreciate that the game remains relatively affordable, allowing players to jump in and experience what we’ve built.
The developers behind Arc Raiders deliberately chose a price point that wouldn’t alienate the community, aiming for a balance where players feel they are getting excellent value for their money:
Because the game doesn’t feature a traditional “story campaign,” we didn’t want the price tag to act as a barrier to entry. Instead, we wanted players to feel that the game is truly worth its $40. My hope is that when people look at the hours they invest in the world, they feel we’ve provided an exceptional price-to-quality ratio. That sense of value is exactly what we are trying to achieve.
Source: iXBT.games