Tencent secures license for TGA winner Arc Raiders in China

China's National Press and Publication Administration has approved ARC Raiders for release, with the localized title 弧光猎人 (Arc Hunters). Tencent secured exclusive mainland distribution rights through a deal with developer Embark Studios' parent company Nexon. The game won Best Multiplayer at The Game Awards 2025.

The Chinese name shows deliberate thought. "弧光" (arc light) mirrors both the pronunciation and meaning of ARC while evoking the eerie mechanical threats players face—similar to the sci-fi energy constructs in Xenoblade Chronicles. The choice of "猎人" (hunter) over alternatives came after multiple internal discussions, aiming for a neutral term that fits the co-op combat focus.

The core hook is cooperative battles against massive ARC machines. Embark emphasizes players will experience something extraction shooters typically don't offer—not pure PvP grind, but squad-based encounters with oversized mechanical bosses featuring complex attack patterns. This PvE-extraction hybrid appeals to players who enjoy gear progression and boss mechanics from JRPGs.

The TGA Best Multiplayer win validates the gameplay framework internationally. Tencent's execution on server stability, anti-cheat systems, and localization quality will determine whether Arc Hunters can establish itself in China's extraction shooter market. Release date, pricing, and launch incentives remain unannounced.