According to Wccftech, ARC Raiders is closing in on 7 million copies sold across all platforms despite controversies surrounding its use of generative AI technology for NPC voices. The third-person extraction shooter from Embark Studios sold close to 750,000 copies on Steam last week alone, bringing its Steam total to 4 million copies. Publisher Nexon recently confirmed the game has officially sold over 4 million copies total. Analytics firm Alinea Analytics reports the title is rapidly approaching the 7 million milestone, making it one of video gaming’s biggest hits in 2025. The game ranked among the top 20 titles for monthly active users and revenue in Newzoo’s October 2025 report, demonstrating strong player engagement alongside its impressive sales figures.
The AI elephant in the room
Here’s the thing that makes these numbers particularly fascinating: ARC Raiders has been at the center of a heated debate about generative AI in game development. The game uses AI-generated voices for NPCs, which sparked significant controversy among players and industry observers. Yet the sales numbers suggest that for the majority of players, either the AI implementation isn’t noticeable enough to matter, or they simply don’t care as long as the gameplay delivers. It’s a pretty telling data point in the ongoing conversation about AI in creative industries. Basically, when the core product is compelling enough, controversial production methods might not actually hurt the bottom line.
Riding the extraction wave
ARC Raiders is hitting these numbers during what feels like a golden age for extraction shooters. The genre that started with titles like Escape from Tarkov has exploded into the mainstream, and Embark Studios clearly timed their release perfectly. The game’s slick movement, polished gunplay, and sci-fi aesthetic have clearly resonated with players hungry for more extraction experiences. But let’s be real – strong launches in the live service space are only half the battle. The real test comes in the months ahead as player retention becomes the primary metric that matters.
The bigger picture
Looking at Alinea Analytics’ broader report reveals some interesting market trends. PEAK is closing in on 15 million copies sold, making it one of the year’s biggest indie success stories. Meanwhile, titles like RV There Yet? and AdHoc Studio’s Dispatch also performed strongly on Steam last week. What does this tell us? Basically, 2025 is shaping up to be a year where both big-budget productions and indie darlings can thrive simultaneously. The market isn’t zero-sum anymore – there’s room for multiple winners across different genres and budget levels.
What happens next?
So where does ARC Raiders go from here? Seven million copies is an incredible achievement, but in the live service world, initial sales are just the entry fee. The real challenge begins now – keeping players engaged through regular content updates, balanced gameplay, and compelling seasonal offerings. The extraction shooter space is becoming increasingly crowded, and player expectations for post-launch support have never been higher. Will Embark Studios be able to maintain this momentum? That’s the billion-dollar question. Their success or failure could become a case study in whether strong sales can translate into long-term player loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.
