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Embark Studios Accelerates Next-Gen Focus, Retires PS4 Support for The Finals

Source: Embark Studios' shift to Arc Raiders raises urgency as The Finals loses PS4 support for next-gen focus (2025-11-21)

Embark Studios has announced that it will retire the PlayStation 4 version of its popular esports shooter, The Finals, on March 18, 2026, signaling a strategic shift towards next-generation hardware and the upcoming release of Arc Raiders. This move underscores the studio’s commitment to leveraging the full potential of current-gen consoles, enabling the development team to introduce innovative features, enhanced graphics, and improved performance without the constraints of last-gen hardware. The decision also reflects industry-wide trends where game developers prioritize newer platforms to meet rising player expectations and technological advancements. Player progress and purchases will transfer seamlessly across platforms, ensuring a smooth transition for existing users. In addition to this significant update, recent industry developments highlight the increasing importance of next-gen gaming. The global gaming market is projected to reach $300 billion by 2026, driven by the proliferation of powerful consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, which now account for over 70% of new console sales worldwide. Cloud gaming services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and PlayStation Plus are expanding rapidly, offering players access to high-quality titles without hardware limitations, further emphasizing the shift towards cloud and streaming technologies. Moreover, the rise of AI-driven game development tools is enabling studios to create more immersive and dynamic gaming experiences, reducing development time by up to 40%. Esports continues to grow exponentially, with viewership surpassing 500 million globally in 2025, and titles like Arc Raiders are expected to capitalize on this momentum with innovative gameplay mechanics tailored for next-gen hardware. This strategic pivot by Embark Studios aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing sustainability and technological innovation. As game developers focus on optimizing for the latest hardware, they are also adopting eco-friendly practices, such as reducing energy consumption during development and promoting digital distribution to minimize physical waste. The move to phase out PS4 support reflects a broader industry pattern where legacy hardware is gradually phased out to make room for more advanced, eco-efficient gaming solutions. Industry analysts predict that by 2027, over 85% of new game releases will be exclusive to current-gen consoles or cloud platforms, marking a significant shift in the gaming landscape. Furthermore, the transition supports the development of more complex multiplayer ecosystems, with next-gen consoles offering faster load times, higher frame rates, and enhanced AI capabilities that enable more realistic and engaging multiplayer experiences. This is particularly relevant for competitive titles like The Finals and Arc Raiders, which rely heavily on seamless online gameplay. The move also encourages developers to innovate with new monetization models, such as dynamic in-game events and personalized content, which are more feasible on powerful hardware and cloud infrastructure. In conclusion, Embark Studios’ decision to retire PS4 support for The Finals and focus on next-gen platforms exemplifies the industry’s rapid evolution towards more immersive, sustainable, and technologically advanced gaming experiences. As the gaming ecosystem continues to expand with new hardware, cloud services, and AI innovations, players can expect richer, more dynamic titles that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. This strategic shift not only benefits developers and publishers but also enhances the overall gaming experience, ensuring that players worldwide enjoy cutting-edge content in the years to come.

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