Virtual photography is no longer a niche curiosity; it has matured into a sophisticated digital art form. In an era where game engines produce near-photorealistic vistas and dedicated photo modes have become industry standards, it is only natural that the community dedicated to immortalizing these digital landscapes continues to flourish.
Typically, the pursuit of the perfect shot is reserved for the solitude of single-player adventures, where a photographer can pause the world to fine-tune lighting and composition. Alternatively, it finds a home in slower-paced social hubs like Second Life, which famously hosted the first virtual art exhibition featuring player avatars. In contrast, the frantic pace of multiplayer shooters usually makes such artistic endeavors impossible—after all, standing still to frame a sunset usually results in a swift trip back to the respawn screen.
However, Arc Raiders is challenging the rigid conventions of the extraction shooter genre. Despite its persistent PvP threats, the game fosters a surprisingly communal atmosphere for those who choose not to engage in immediate hostilities. This social nuance has allowed players to repurpose the game’s mechanics in ways the developers might never have anticipated. Today, Arc Raiders has emerged as an unlikely sanctuary for virtual photojournalism, offering a brand of emergent storytelling rarely seen in competitive environments.
The game’s aesthetic potential gained significant traction shortly after its release when YouTuber TopsideFlicks shared a compelling gallery on Reddit. His work is deeply atmospheric, with each frame capturing a distinct narrative beat: a raider descending into the shadows of an elevator with a haul of loot, or a tense standoff between a player and a looming Rocketeer. These aren’t just screenshots; they are evocative documents of a fictional conflict.
A professional photographer and videographer in his daily life, TopsideFlicks admitted to Polygon that he was initially unaware of the virtual photography subculture until his first video resonated with a massive audience. His content has since evolved into a series of “photo adventures,” inviting viewers to join him as he navigates the dangers of the surface to find beauty in the ruins.
“I want my videos to feel like a collaborative journey,” he shared. One particularly memorable excursion involved a desperate race to an extraction point with only seconds to spare, during which he paused to revive a downed stranger. The trio eventually escaped the bombardment together, a moment of high-stakes camaraderie that transcends typical gameplay.
TopsideFlicks isn’t the only artist stalking the ruins. Garntrpg has brought a “street photography” sensibility to the game, often approaching other players to request impromptu photoshoots. For him, the experience is about more than just the image; it is about the genuine human connections forged in a high-pressure environment.
Both creators utilize the in-game binoculars as a makeshift lens, refining their captures in post-production. While Embark Studios has introduced whimsical items like guitars and fireworks, the community is hopeful for a dedicated camera tool to further legitimize their “peaceful” roleplay. Currently, the game’s aggression-based matchmaking—which groups pacifist players together—has created the perfect laboratory for this artistic expression.
While Topside estimates that nearly 90% of his encounters are non-hostile, he occasionally dives into purely competitive matches specifically to reset his standing, as he finds that “the videos are more compelling when there’s an actual threat.” Garnt echoes this sentiment, noting that while many players lack microphones, those who can communicate are almost always eager to participate in his creative projects.
Among their favorite creations, Garnt highlights a video utilizing “chronophotography”—a 19th-century technique designed to study movement—applied to a raider navigating the Spaceport. Topside remains torn between several cinematic shots: a Queen peering through a haze of gunfire, a dramatic lightning strike over the Vigorosa building, and a Leaper silhouetted against a full moon.
This movement is spreading, with creators like Red Raider on TikTok and SperanzaFrontline on Instagram joining the ranks of these digital journalists. Even as they look toward future titles like GTA 6, their work in Arc Raiders serves as a reminder of the power of community to reshape a game’s identity. If you happen to spot a player observing you through binoculars instead of a scope, consider offering a friendly gesture—you might just find yourself immortalized as a piece of digital history.
Source: Polygon
