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, indicates that the adaptations will be produced in collaboration with Chernin Entertainment, the film and television arm of The North Road Company. After a competitive bidding process that saw several studios vie for the rights, Chernin Entertainment emerged as the chosen partner and will take on the role of lead producer for both the TV shows and the movies based on these properties.
Patrick Söderlund, the executive chairman of Nexon and the founder‑CEO of Embark Studios, described the deal as a pivotal milestone in the broader strategy to evolve the two games into "deeply integrated transmedia experiences." In other words, the goal is to expand the narratives, characters, and worlds that players have come to love into formats that can be enjoyed by a wider audience, whether they are gamers or not. This approach mirrors a growing trend in the entertainment industry where successful video game franchises are leveraged to create cross‑platform storytelling ecosystems that include streaming series, cinematic releases, comics, novels, and even live events.
David Ready, who serves as the president of film at Chernin Entertainment, echoed this sentiment, calling Arc Raiders and The Finals "ambitious global IPs with the potential to become major franchises across film and television." Ready’s comment underscores the belief that these titles possess narrative depth, distinctive visual styles, and built‑in fan bases that can sustain long‑form storytelling. While many games have been adapted into movies or shows in the past, only a handful have managed to capture the imagination of both critics and audiences, turning the source material into a cultural touchstone. Arc Raiders, which debuted in October 2025, quickly became a commercial juggernaut, selling more than 16 million copies worldwide.
The game’s fast‑paced, team‑based combat and richly detailed sci‑fi setting earned it the Best Multiplayer Game award at the 2025 Game Awards, as well as the Best Multiplayer award at the 2026 BAFTA Games Awards. Its success is not limited to sales figures; the title has cultivated a vibrant community of streamers, esports athletes, and fan creators who have helped extend its reach beyond the core gaming audience. The upcoming television adaptation is expected to delve deeper into the lore of the Arc Raiders universe, exploring the origins of its factions, the political intrigue that drives the conflict, and the personal stories of its protagonists. By expanding the narrative scope, the series aims to give both longtime fans and newcomers a richer understanding of the world that made the game so compelling.
The Finals, on the other hand, is a free‑to‑play first‑person shooter that has attracted a massive player base—over 30 million users in just three years. Its innovative gameplay, which blends competitive shooting with dynamic, ever‑changing environments, has set it apart in a crowded market. The game's popularity is reflected not only in its player numbers but also in its cultural impact, with memes, fan art, and community‑driven events that have kept the conversation alive long after each season’s conclusion.
The film adaptation will likely focus on the high‑stakes tournament setting that defines The Finals, turning the intense, fast‑paced matches into cinematic set pieces while also exploring the backstories of the competitors and the shadowy organization that runs the competition. Chernin Entertainment brings a track record of turning modest‑budget projects into box‑office successes.
Notably, the studio produced the horror film "Backrooms," which Variety reported grossed more than $400 million worldwide on a production budget of just $10 million. The company also delivered the Apple TV+ series "Chief of War," further demonstrating its ability to craft compelling narratives for streaming platforms. These credentials suggest that Chernin has both the creative vision and the logistical expertise to shepherd the Arc Raiders and The Finals adaptations from concept to finished product, ensuring they meet the high expectations of both fans and critics. These new adaptations join a growing list of video game properties that have successfully transitioned to the screen.
Recent examples include the Resident Evil franchise, whose latest film installment has become the highest‑rated video‑game movie adaptation in history, and the animated series "Arcane," based on League of Legends, which achieved a flawless 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its second season. Such achievements illustrate that, when handled with care and respect for the source material, game‑to‑screen adaptations can resonate with a broad audience and achieve critical acclaim.
Looking ahead, the collaboration between Embark Studios and Chernin Entertainment could set a new benchmark for how interactive entertainment is repurposed for traditional media. By leveraging the deep narrative wells and expansive worlds already built within Arc Raiders and The Finals, the adaptations have the potential to deliver fresh, engaging content that stands on its own while honoring the spirit of the original games. Fans can anticipate a blend of high‑octane action, character‑driven storytelling, and visual fidelity that captures the essence of what made the games popular in the first place.
As production ramps up, further details about casting, release dates, and creative direction are expected to emerge, fueling excitement across both the gaming community and the broader entertainment landscape.