Embark Studios, developer of ARC AttackerKnows that the problem of stress in his game is increasing. Some players may want to focus on fighting giant ARC machines. Others would prefer to hunt down players who are trying to fight those machines. Instead of imposing one play style on another through strict behavior-based matchmaking, the studio is taking a different gamble: convincing players to cooperate by rewarding them for it.
Running from February 10 to February 24, the Shared Watch event celebrates attackers who work together against the ARC threat, not against them. Players who focus on fighting ARC units during the event will unlock items, earn Raider tokens, and progress toward a new cosmetic set called The Slugger. Event rewards are unlocked by earning abilities, which are gained through XP earned from damaging and destroying ARC enemies. The goal is simple: Endure other attackers, target the ARC.
More details about the event and its systems are expected to be revealed in the upcoming patch notes, but the intention is already clear. Embark Studios wants collaboration to feel rewarding, not mandatory, and hopes that a little loot-inspired incentive will help refocus the fight where it belongs.
This seems to be a worthwhile effort to bring back players who were fed up with PvP, and who knows, it may even bring in some new players. We’ll find out whether it works tomorrow when the program launches.
ark raiders PlayStation 5, Xbox Series
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