THE FINALS
News, coverage and analysis tracking THE FINALS across the outlets.
Latest coverage
"When Arc Raiders was at its peak," Embark was burning 30 terabytes of data per day tracking every single bullet fired: "We want to know who shot first"
Embark Studios, developer of Arc Raiders and The Finals, employs extensive data tracking to analyze player behavior, with up to 30 terabytes of data processed daily. This data is used for anti-cheat measures, bug detection, weapon balancing, and tuning the matchmaking system to differentiate player aggression levels. The studio can track events like bullet impacts and player positions with very low latency, providing granular insights into gameplay.
Data analyst finds 'AI stigma' on Steam can reduce the number of reviews a game gets by around 53%—and…
A data analysis by Ross Burton for Game Oracle suggests that games disclosing the use of artificial intelligence face an 'AI stigma' on Steam, leading to approximately a 53% reduction in reviews compared to games that do not disclose AI use. This penalty is more pronounced for high-potential games and developers with established track records, indicating that player perception significantly impacts reception despite the tool's utility in game development.
Embark is finally cracking down on Arc Raiders' cheaters and duplication antics: 'Our commitment to anti-cheat…
Embark is implementing Denuvo Anti-Cheat in Arc Raiders to combat cheaters and duplication exploits. The developers are taking strict measures against those involved in exploiting the game's economy and are building safeguards to prevent future occurrences. Players will be notified when reported cheaters are banned and when lost loot is returned.
The MOP Up: Broken Ranks throws new content at you In Cold Blood
Broken Ranks has released a new content drop titled 'In Cold Blood,' which challenges level 140 players with the Monastery of the Order of the Forgotten Dawn for legendary gear. This article also rounds up other recent MMO news, including updates for RIFT, The Finals, Myth of Empires: Throne, Toram, Conan Exiles Enhanced, PlanetSide 2, Guild Wars 2, DC Universe Online, World War II Online, Neverwinter, Sea of Thieves, Magic Online, and Wizard101, as well as announcements from Ankama and the confirmation of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.
Morning Patches
This article compiles recent patch notes and maintenance notices for several games, including THE FINALS update 10.9.0, Heartopia's May 27 maintenance, and No Man's Sky updates 6.41 and 6.42. It distinguishes between official patches and unofficial game modifications.
"It emulates and it replicates, but it doesn't innovate" - Troy Baker isn't afraid of 'AI art', because he doesn't believe it can ever actually exist
Actor Troy Baker believes that artificial intelligence cannot create true art, stating that art is inherently a human expression. While acknowledging AI's presence in game development, particularly for voice work, he is not concerned about it replacing human actors. Baker is focused on creating art and believes the industry is at a crucial point to decide its future direction.
Arc Raiders has added Denuvo anticheat 'initially to a limited player pool' after a successful rollout in The…
Embark Studios has begun implementing Denuvo anti-cheat software into Arc Raiders, initially for a limited player pool, following a successful rollout in The Finals. This move aims to combat persistent cheating issues that have plagued the extraction shooter since its launch. While Denuvo has faced criticism for potential performance impacts, Embark Studios has stated they will not use its DRM and are working to minimize performance effects.
Proton 11 Beta 5 released with more regression fixes
Valve has released Proton 11 Beta 5, focusing on regression fixes and improving compatibility for various games on Linux. This update addresses controller input issues, performance problems, and ensures games like BattleBit Remastered and Assassin's Creed Shadows are playable. The release also includes updates to underlying components like vkd3d-proton and dxvk.
Arc Raiders turns to Denuvo Anti-Cheat in hopes of curbing foul play, Embark say they're "working to ensure minimal impact on performance"
Embark Studios is implementing Denuvo Anti-Cheat software in Arc Raiders to combat cheating, with plans to roll it out to a limited player pool starting May 19th. The studio emphasizes their commitment to minimizing performance impact, a concern that has affected other games using similar technology. This update also introduces a new trader named Ermal and a grenade launcher weapon called the Rascal.
ARC Raiders, The Finals & MapleStory drove a 118% YoY increase in Nexon's Q1 2026 net income
Nexon reported a 118% year-over-year increase in net income for Q1 2026, driven by strong performance from ARC Raiders, The Finals, and MapleStory. ARC Raiders sold approximately 4.6 million units, while The Finals and MapleStory saw revenue increases of 47% and 42% year-over-year, respectively.
New "low_latency_layer" brings Reflex and Anti-Lag 2 to AMD and Intel GPUs on Linux
A new open-source Vulkan layer called "low_latency_layer" has been released for Linux, bringing NVIDIA Reflex and AMD Anti-Lag 2 technologies to AMD and Intel GPUs. This layer aims to reduce click-to-photon latency by implementing both companies' latency reduction technologies, potentially offering performance comparable to or better than native Windows implementations. Initial benchmarks suggest it performs well in games like The Finals and Counter-Strike 2.
Nexon Q1 net income rises 118% to $360.7m
Nexon reported a 118% year-over-year increase in net income for the first quarter, reaching $360.7 million, driven by strong performance from Embark Studios' Arc Raiders and the MapleStory franchise. The company also announced a ten-year publishing partnership extension with Tencent for Dungeon & Fighter in China.
The MOP Up: V Rising mulls over a new patch
Stunlock Studios is gathering player feedback for an upcoming balance and bug-fix patch for V Rising. This roundup also includes news on updates for Villagers and Heroes, The Elder Scrolls Online, MechWarrior Online, and Apex Legends, among others.
Darkest Dungeon studio refuses to AI generate deceased narrator's voice despite his permission: 'I would never, ever erode his incredible and timeless performances'
Red Hook Studios has stated they will not use AI to replicate the voice of their deceased narrator, Wayne June, despite having his permission. Studio co-founder Chris Bourassa explained that they declined the offer and donated to June's family instead, emphasizing their respect for his timeless performances. The decision has been met with praise from fans concerned about the ethical implications of AI in preserving artistic legacies.
Arc Raiders' Riven Tides update didn't fix the game's biggest problem: Cheaters
The Riven Tides update for Arc Raiders introduced new content but failed to address the persistent issue of cheating, which continues to plague the game. Despite Embark Studios acknowledging the problem and working on solutions, player numbers have significantly declined, with streamer Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins quitting due to rampant cheating. The ongoing prevalence of hacks is making the game unplayable for many, potentially leading to a point of no return for player retention.
Arc Raiders Riven Tides Update Brings New Coastal Map and More
Embark Studios has released the Riven Tides update for Arc Raiders, introducing a new coastal map, a defensive Arc Turbine enemy, and a Beachcombing minor map condition. The update also includes new items, a limited-time event, and quality-of-life improvements. Arc Raiders is a multiplayer PvPvE extraction shooter available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Proton Experimental and Proton 11 Beta updated to fix issues with the EA App
Valve has released updates for Proton Experimental and Proton 11 Beta, primarily to address issues with the EA App on Linux and SteamOS. The updates include a new version of Xalia, which should resolve lockups when interacting with the EA App. Numerous other game-specific fixes and improvements are also detailed, covering a wide range of titles and functionalities.
Surprise Hit 2025 Game Getting PS5 Pro PSSR 2 Update
Embark Studios' multiplayer hit Arc Raiders is receiving PSSR 2 support for the PlayStation 5 Pro with its upcoming Riven Tides update on April 28, 2026. This enhancement aims to provide sharper visuals and more stable reconstruction of fine details. Arc Raiders joins a growing list of titles confirmed to support the PlayStation 5 Pro's new performance feature.
THE FINALS Update 10.4.0 Adds Wide Watch Kit While Devs Schedule Community Q&A
Embark Studios has released Update 10.4.0 for THE FINALS, introducing the Wide Watch Kit designed for hand-to-hand combat. This update follows the conclusion of the Respec Order Event and coincides with a community stream featuring Design Director Matt Lowe answering questions from the r/thefinals subreddit. This direct developer engagement highlights Embark Studios' commitment to community communication for their live service game.
Pragmata is yet another launch day fail for Intel's GPUs, but its quick response to game issues shows it's…
Intel has released a new graphics driver, version 32.0.101.8735, to address application crashes in the game Pragmata. This update specifically targets issues encountered by users with Intel Arc A-series, B-series, and Core Ultra Series GPUs. While this driver resolves Pragmata-related crashes, known issues with other games like The Finals, Fortnite, and Crimson Desert persist.
