Embark Studios’ 『ARC Raiders』 and Bungie’s 『Marathon』—two PvPvE escape shooters—have announced, in quick succession, that they will be testing “PvE modes” and implementing them as regular content. On Reddit, users are discussing the issues plaguing the genre and its waning popularity.
Two Titles Moving Toward PvE; Forbes Points to “A Decline in the Genre”
As we reported on Game*Spark, 『ARC Raiders』 has already announced a limited-time “PvE mode” test starting October 13. Additionally, 『Marathon』 announced the implementation of its first-ever PvE mode in the December update titled “Symbiosis.”
In response to this announcement, the online edition of the business magazine “Forbes” published an article titled “ARC Raiders and Marathon Shift Toward PvE as the Escape Shooter Genre Shows Signs of Decline.” The article points out that as user interest in challenging PvPvE elements wanes, both titles have adopted nearly identical strategies to attract more players.
In particular, compared to *ARC Raiders*—which is still strictly in the testing phase—*Marathon*, which announced the implementation of a PvE mode by the end of the year, is facing a severe decline in player numbers. The report stated that the developers “have taken a huge gamble on whether the game’s operations will remain sustainable going forward.”
Reddit, citing this article, has sparked over 1,000 comments asking questions such as: “Is the ‘PvPvE escape shooter’ genre truly in decline?” and “If its popularity is waning, is it a problem with the genre as a whole, or is it an issue with the design of each individual game?”
ARC Raiders And Marathon Turn To PvE As The Extraction Genre Wobbles
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Some users pointed out that the genre relies too heavily on luck—noting that players can lose a firefight simply based on whether or not they happen to pick up a powerful weapon, rather than on player skill built up through understanding, knowledge, and mastery of the game.They argue that players who have the time to play for extended periods to obtain powerful weapons have an advantage, making the game too stressful for the average player. On the other hand, some also mentioned that there are players who have spent thousands of hours practicing their aim.
Additionally, citing *Escape from Tarkov* as an example, some have pointed out the small size of the market, noting, “Many companies have aimed to replicate *Tarkov*’s success, but PvPvE escape shooters are a niche genre to begin with.”
However, the most prominent opinions were along the lines of, “Hardcore players keep hunting down casual players, and when casual players get fed up and quit, the next tier of players gets hunted down and leaves the game too,” and “It’s the worst feeling to lose gear you spent hours collecting because of cheaters or underhanded players who camp the escape points.The frustration of losing is unbearable.” “Out of 10 attempts, 9 ended with me getting shot from behind.” These were voices expressing stress and dissatisfaction at being constantly killed before they could even enjoy the content.
Forbes touched on the dissatisfaction within the existing community—which argues that catering to “PvE” undermines the game’s original intent and that players who don’t want to take risks shouldn’t play the escape shooter genre in the first place—while noting that “the gaming industry is likely beginning to distance itself from new escape shooter titles.” It also reported thatIt reported that we’ll soon find out whether the PvE modes in *ARC Raiders* and *Marathon* will actually lead to players returning to the games.
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