Embark Studios’ two flagship titles, Arc Raiders and The Finals, are slated to make the leap from interactive entertainment to the silver screen and television. According to a recent report in Variety, the two projects have been green‑lit in collaboration with Chernin Entertainment, the film and television arm of The North Road Company. After a competitive bidding process that saw a number of production houses and studios vie for the rights, Chernin was chosen to spearhead the development of both the series and feature‑film adaptations, taking on the role of lead producer for each property.
Patrick Söderlund, the executive chairman of Nexon and the founder‑CEO of Embark Studios, described the partnership as a pivotal moment in the evolution of the games. He explained that the deal represents a major step toward turning the titles into "deeply integrated transmedia experiences," where the narrative and world‑building extend far beyond the original gameplay and into other forms of media. Söderlund emphasized that the goal is to create a cohesive ecosystem that allows fans to engage with the stories, characters, and settings across multiple platforms, enriching the overall experience.
David Ready, who serves as president of film at Chernin Entertainment, echoed this sentiment, calling the two games "ambitious global IPs with the potential to become major franchises across film and television." Ready highlighted the breadth of the universes, the cinematic quality of the visuals, and the strong, character‑driven narratives as key ingredients that make them ripe for adaptation. He noted that both titles have already demonstrated massive commercial success and critical acclaim, providing a solid foundation for expanding into new storytelling formats. Arc Raiders, which debuted in October 2025, quickly rose to prominence, selling more than 16 million copies worldwide.
The title earned the prestigious Best Multiplayer Game award at the 2025 Game Awards and repeated the feat at the 2026 BAFTA Games Awards, cementing its reputation as a benchmark for cooperative and competitive play. Its rich sci‑fi setting, diverse cast of playable characters, and high‑octane tactical combat have resonated with a broad audience, making it an attractive candidate for a narrative‑driven series that can explore the backstory of its factions and the political intrigue that fuels the in‑game conflict.
The Finals, a free‑to‑play first‑person shooter, has amassed a staggering player base of over 30 million within three years of launch. Its fast‑paced, arena‑style gameplay and emphasis on player‑driven storytelling have cultivated a passionate community. The game’s core premise—teams of elite operatives battling in ever‑changing environments—offers a fertile ground for episodic storytelling, where each episode could focus on a different match, highlighting the personal stakes, rivalries, and strategic mind games that define the competition. Chernin Entertainment brings a track record of turning modest‑budget projects into blockbuster successes.
Notably, the studio produced the film "Backrooms," which Variety reported grossed more than $400 million worldwide on a production budget of just $10 million, showcasing Chernin’s ability to amplify high‑concept ideas into financially lucrative ventures. Additionally, the Apple TV+ series "Chief of War" demonstrated the studio’s competence in delivering compelling, serialized content that appeals to both niche and mainstream audiences. The move to adapt video games into movies and TV shows is part of a broader industry trend.
Recent adaptations have begun to break the stereotype of low‑quality, cash‑grabbers. For example, the latest Resident Evil film achieved the highest critical rating ever for a video‑game‑based movie, while the second season of "Arcane: League of Legends" holds a flawless 100 % score on Rotten Tomatoes, proving that with the right creative vision, gaming IP can thrive on the screen. Looking ahead, the Arc Raiders series is expected to delve deeper into the origins of its interstellar conflict, exploring the sociopolitical dynamics of the warring colonies and the personal journeys of its protagonists.
The adaptation will likely expand on the lore that was only hinted at in the game, providing fans with a richer understanding of the universe while attracting newcomers through compelling storytelling and high‑production values. Similarly, The Finals film adaptation aims to capture the adrenaline‑fueled essence of the game’s tournament structure, possibly framing the narrative around a single, high‑stakes championship event. By focusing on character development and the psychological pressure of elite competition, the movie could offer a fresh take on the sports‑drama genre, blending intense action sequences with emotional depth.
Both projects are poised to benefit from the growing appetite for transmedia storytelling, where audiences seek immersive experiences that cross the boundaries of gaming, cinema, and television. If successful, these adaptations could set a new benchmark for how interactive entertainment properties are translated to traditional media, paving the way for future collaborations between game developers and Hollywood studios.