Embark Studios, the development house behind the hit titles Arc Raiders and The Finals, has confirmed that both games are moving beyond the interactive medium and will be transformed into television series and feature films. The announcement, reported by Variety, reveals that Chernin Entertainment – the production arm of The North Road Company – has been chosen from a competitive slate of studios and production companies to helm the adaptations.
In this role, Chernen will serve as the lead producer for both the TV shows and the movies, overseeing the creative translation of the games’ narratives, worlds, and characters into screen formats. Patrick Söderlund, the executive chairman of Nexon and the founder‑CEO of Embark Studios, described the partnership as a pivotal milestone in the broader strategy to evolve the two franchises into "deeply integrated transmedia experiences." By extending the IPs into film and television, the companies aim to reach audiences who may never pick up a controller, while also offering existing fans fresh ways to engage with the universes they love.
Söderlund emphasized that the move is not merely a promotional stunt but a deliberate effort to build layered storytelling ecosystems where each medium complements the others. David Ready, who oversees film production at Chernin Entertainment, echoed this sentiment, calling the games "ambitious global IPs with the potential to become major franchises across film and television." Ready highlighted the rich narrative foundations, distinctive visual styles, and expansive world‑building that both titles possess, all of which provide fertile ground for serialized storytelling and cinematic treatment.
He noted that the transition from interactive to passive media presents unique challenges, but also opportunities to deepen character arcs and explore plotlines that may have been only hinted at in the original gameplay. Arc Raiders, which debuted in October 2025, quickly became a commercial juggernaut, surpassing 16 million copies sold worldwide. Its success was not limited to sales; the title earned critical acclaim, capturing the Best Multiplayer Game award at the 2025 Game Awards and repeating the feat at the 2026 BAFTA Games Awards. The game’s blend of strategic team‑based combat, sci‑fi aesthetics, and a richly detailed universe has resonated with both casual and hardcore players.
The upcoming TV series is expected to delve deeper into the lore behind the interstellar conflict that drives the gameplay, exploring the political machinations of the various factions and the personal stories of key protagonists. Meanwhile, the film adaptation will likely focus on a high‑stakes, action‑driven narrative that showcases the game's spectacular set‑pieces and visual effects. The Finals, a free‑to‑play first‑person shooter, has amassed a staggering player base of over 30 million in just three years.
Its fast‑paced, arena‑style combat and emphasis on player‑driven storytelling have made it a cultural touchstone within the competitive gaming community. By translating The Finals into a cinematic format, the producers hope to capture the adrenaline‑fueled spectacle of the matches while also expanding on the backstory of the tournament’s enigmatic organizers and the lives of the competitors. The TV series may adopt an anthology approach, each episode focusing on a different team or individual, thereby humanizing the avatars that players control in the digital arena. Chernin Entertainment brings a proven track record to the table.
Among its recent successes is the horror‑thriller film "Backrooms," which Variety reported grossed more than $400 million worldwide on a modest $10 million budget, demonstrating the company’s ability to turn modestly funded projects into blockbuster hits. Additionally, Chernin produced the Apple TV+ series "Chief of War," further showcasing its versatility across genres and platforms. These credentials suggest that the studio is well‑equipped to handle the ambitious scope of adapting two high‑profile gaming properties. The move follows a broader industry trend of converting video game IP into screen content.
Recent adaptations have set new standards for quality and audience reception. For instance, the latest Resident Evil film adaptation achieved the highest critical rating ever recorded for a video‑game‑based movie, proving that with the right creative vision, such projects can transcend their source material’s reputation.
Likewise, the second season of "Arcane," the animated series based on League of Legends, currently holds a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring the appetite for well‑crafted, game‑inspired narratives. Looking ahead, the collaboration between Embark Studios, Nexon, and Chernin Entertainment could serve as a blueprint for future transmedia ventures. By leveraging the deep world‑building already present in the games, the adaptations have the potential to attract new fans, boost the longevity of the franchises, and generate additional revenue streams through merchandising, licensing, and cross‑platform storytelling.
As the entertainment landscape continues to blur the lines between interactive and passive media, projects like these illustrate how video game universes can evolve into multifaceted cultural phenomena. In summary, the upcoming television series and films based on Arc Raiders and The Finals represent a significant step forward for both properties, promising to expand their narratives beyond the screen and into the broader realm of popular culture. With Chernin Entertainment at the helm, the adaptations are poised to deliver high‑quality, immersive experiences that honor the spirit of the original games while offering fresh perspectives for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.