Embark Studios’ two flagship titles, Arc Raiders and The Finals, are moving beyond the interactive medium and are slated for development as both television series and feature films. The announcement, reported by Variety, confirms that Chernin Entertainment— the production arm of The North Road Company—has been chosen from a competitive field of studios to helm these adaptations.
In this role, Chernin will serve as the primary producer overseeing the translation of both games into scripted content for the small and big screens. Patrick Söderlund, who serves as Nexon’s executive chairman as well as the founder and chief executive of Embark Studios, framed the deal as a pivotal milestone in the companies’ broader strategy to evolve their games into "deeply integrated transmedia experiences." By extending the narratives of Arc Raiders and The Finals into visual storytelling formats, the partners aim to create a cohesive universe that can be explored through gameplay, television episodes, and cinematic releases, thereby deepening fan engagement and attracting new audiences.
David Ready, who leads the film division at Chernin Entertainment, echoed this sentiment, describing the two games as "ambitious global intellectual properties with the potential to become major franchises across film and television." Ready’s remarks highlight the belief that the games possess rich world‑building, compelling characters, and high‑stakes conflict—elements that translate well to episodic drama and blockbuster storytelling. Arc Raiders, which debuted in October 2025, quickly rose to prominence, selling more than 16 million copies worldwide. 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.
Its success is rooted in a blend of fast‑paced combat, cooperative mechanics, and a sci‑fi setting that invites expansive narrative exploration. The forthcoming TV series is expected to delve deeper into the game’s lore, fleshing out the backstories of its diverse cast of space‑faring mercenaries and the political intrigue that fuels their missions. Meanwhile, the film adaptation will likely focus on a high‑octane, self‑contained storyline that showcases the game’s signature action while introducing the universe to newcomers.
The Finals, a free‑to‑play first‑person shooter, has amassed a staggering player base of over 30 million within three years of its launch. Its popularity stems from a competitive esports‑style format, dynamic environments, and a constantly evolving meta that keeps players engaged. Translating such a kinetic experience to screen presents a unique challenge, but also an opportunity to capture the adrenaline‑filled moments that define the game. The television version is anticipated to adopt an anthology approach, following different teams as they compete in high‑stakes matches, while the film may center on a singular, dramatic tournament that highlights the personal stakes for its protagonists.
Chernin Entertainment brings a proven track record to the table. Among its recent successes is the horror‑thriller Backrooms, which Variety notes grossed more than $400 million worldwide against a modest $10 million production budget—a testament to the company’s ability to deliver high‑return projects from modest origins.
Additionally, Chernin produced the Apple TV+ series Chief of War, further demonstrating its versatility across genres and platforms. These credentials suggest that the studio is well‑equipped to handle the ambitious scope of adapting video‑game properties that demand both visual spectacle and narrative depth.
The move to adapt Arc Raiders and The Finals follows a broader industry trend of converting popular gaming IPs into film and television content. Recent examples illustrate the potential for critical and commercial success. The latest Resident Evil movie, for instance, debuted as the highest‑rated video‑game adaptation in cinema history, breaking the stereotype that game‑based films must be low‑budget or poorly received. Similarly, the second season of Arcane—Netflix’s animated series based on League of Legends—holds a perfect 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring how thoughtful adaptation can resonate with both gamers and general audiences.
Industry analysts predict that the convergence of gaming and traditional media will only accelerate as studios recognize the built‑in fan bases and expansive worlds that games provide. By leveraging the narrative foundations of Arc Raiders and The Finals, Chernin and Embark aim to create multi‑platform franchises that can sustain long‑term storytelling, merchandising, and cross‑promotional opportunities. The partnership also signals Nexon’s commitment to positioning its titles as cultural touchstones, not just interactive entertainment.
In summary, the collaboration between Embark Studios and Chernin Entertainment marks a significant step toward turning two of the most successful recent video games into fully realized television series and movies. With Chernin’s production expertise and Embark’s rich source material, the adaptations have the potential to expand the reach of Arc Raiders and The Finals, offering fans new ways to experience beloved worlds while inviting newcomers into the fold.
As the projects move from development to production, the gaming and entertainment communities will be watching closely to see how these ambitious transmedia ventures unfold.