Matchmaking of Arc Raiders Confirms Player Behavior Usage

Embark Studios has finally spoken out about the matchmaking theories in Arc Raiders, confirming that the individual behavior of players is a determining factor in team formation and matchups. Robert Sammelin, the studio's art director, told PC Gamer during The Game Awards that the system is "quite complex," validating the community's suspicions.

Sammelin did not go into technical details about the algorithm, laughing when questioned for more information, but made it clear that the matchmaking system is not purely random. This transparency, albeit limited, offers a rare insight into the engineering of matchmaking in modern games.

Data collection (telemetry) revealed an unusual phenomenon within the extraction shooter: a high degree of passivity. According to Embark, a surprisingly small percentage of players even eliminated another player in matches. The experience also changes drastically if the player is solo or in a group, affecting the level of aggressiveness and willingness to take risks.

This characteristic has led Arc Raiders to be known for having a relatively peaceful community, something that contradicts the high-risk nature of the PvPvE genre. The situation has sparked debates within the community, with some players complaining that those focusing on PvP are "ruining" the experience, raising questions about how the game's design accommodates varied profiles.

Sammelin emphasized the ongoing importance of telemetry, which allows the team to adjust balancing and refine the game, cross-referencing real data with internal development assumptions.

While the discussion about the community's profile continues, the game continues to evolve: a new icy map condition has been introduced, along with a Christmas-themed community event that encourages raiders to collect berries for the festivities.