Embark Studios is currently riding high on the success of ARC Raiders, but there will be one casualty along the way: the PS4 version of the developer's previous title, The Finals.
The team has shared that the last-gen version of its competitive shooter is being taken offline on 18th March 2026, leaving it unable to be played on PS4. Embark Studios will be "focusing our support on current generation hardware" from that point onwards.
Anyone still playing The Finals on PS4 can carry their progress over to the PS5 version via the Embark ID feature. "We're incredibly grateful to everyone who's been part of the PS4 community," the developer said. "See you in the Arena!"
As for the reason why, a post on the official website states "it’s become increasingly difficult to maintain and optimize PlayStation 4 support, without limiting the features and gamemodes we want to create. Some of our latest systems simply aren’t compatible with the older generation’s technology, and ensuring an identical experience for our players across all platforms means making some tough trade-offs."
Season 10 of The Finals will introduce more performance improvements, features, and optimisations, which it appears the PS4 can no longer handle. "Our focus now is on delivering the best possible experience across modern platforms where we can take full advantage of the tech that drives THE FINALS forward," the studio added.
The Finals is just one of a few live service titles that have confirmed they're killing off their PS4 versions in recent months, with Genshin Impact and PUBG being two others. What makes this situation more notable, though, is Embark Studios released the PS4 edition of The Finals less than a year ago. With its removal set for March 2026, the last-gen version will have only been available for roughly 16 months.
What's your reaction to this? Post your thoughts in the comments below.
[source x.com]
Comments 19
Not a good look. While I can empathise with struggling to maintain games on older hardware - as well as being held back by it - but they should have considered this before releasing on PS4.
Question: Does the PS4 copy entitle you to a free upgrade to the PS5 version? That is the least they should do, though it won't help people who are still on PS4.Seems reasonable enough and, all things considered, sixteen months feels like a good return.
@themightyant was the game not free on both platforms?
@themightyant it is F2P game...
@REALAIS @bluemage1989 GOOD POINT. Doh!
On reflection: I do have less issue for a F2P game to do it that a premium title. But it's still not great is it?
@themightyant honestly don’t see a problem - they have had sixteen months of gameplay, at minimal cost if any, on a system that is now a decade old. I don’t think it’s unreasonable for the developer to want to put the needs of the majority of gamers ahead of the needs of a select few.
@bluemage1989 And what about the people who have paid plenty for the game through MTX who are being cut off less than a year and a half from release? F2P doesn't necessarily mean free.
I agree it's less egregious for a F2P title, but feel they shouldn't have released on PS4 at all if they were going to announce it's cancellation within a year.
@themightyant those players will have still enjoyed sixteen months of game time, they were not obligated to pay for any season passes and the announcement has been made in good time to ensure those users can make an informed choice on whether to spend more. The developer has also given a sound reason as to why it is necessary, I don’t think it’s fair on all of those people who bought a PS5 to be told they will not be able to enjoy an improved game because a very small number of players are able to afford micro transactions but can’t afford to upgrade their decade old console.
Letting players purchases carry over is sweet. If it were Activision or EA that would be the last thing on their minds.
@bluemage1989 You make fair points, and I can see it both ways. I just feel it shouldn't have released on PS4 if they weren't going to support it much more than a year.
Switch 2 version would be neat.
@themightyant I think it’s a glass half full or half empty type situation - is it bad that the game is no longer being supported or good that PS4 users were able to enjoy parity with the current generation for sixteen months? And how many of those remaining players will be upgrading systems before the game shuts down anyway? The old approach to console generations is being replaced by a cross generation model, and that is going to really benefit some people including those on low incomes, but it also means there will be more games finding themselves in a similar position to this in the future so we best get used to it.
Good. Time to focus on PS5 and let the PS4 rest in peace.
Potential Arc Raiders Buyer killing support by not buying a game that is potentially taken offline within a year. Screw this company.
@dr-gorgo seriously……
@dr-gorgo what are you on about?
Man. When I read an article about a dev that uses AI to make their games shutting down another of their games that’s not even toddler age. I just so thoroughly yearn for the industry of old. I think PS5 and Switch 2 might end up being my last consoles. What I loved about the industry is on life support. I guess I am a dinosaur or whatever. But being able to buy a game that was well crafted and then own it forever really was the way. And when that finally completely leaves the industry, which it will, I’m gonna leave the industry too. It’s been a good run.
Makes sense, it’s admittedly wild anyone is still supporting last gen as the next gen is already on the horizon.
@themightyant @themightyant its a 13 year old console and a free game
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