Chernin Entertainment and Embark Studios partner to adapt Arc Raiders and The Finals for TV and film

Chernin Entertainment has partnered with Embark Studios to adapt the video games Arc Raiders and The Finals into TV and film projects. The deal aims to expand both franchises into "integrated transmedia experiences," though no details about creative direction, timelines, or specific roles have been disclosed.

Partnership Announced

Chernin Entertainment has signed a deal to adapt the video games Arc Raiders and The Finals into television and film projects, according to Engadget. The partnership includes Embark Studios, the publisher of both games, which will be involved in the adaptations in an unspecified capacity. Neither company has disclosed details about creative direction, release timelines, or specific roles for the projects.

Goals and Background

The deal is described as "the next big step in growing" both franchises into "integrated transmedia experiences," a phrase often used to describe immersive storytelling across multiple media formats. Arc Raiders is a third-person extraction shooter, while The Finals is a free-to-play first-person shooter set within a game show-style environment.

Chernin Entertainment has a history of producing film and TV adaptations, including Backrooms, a theatrical release, and The Madness, a Netflix project. The company’s recent releases also include The Last House, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and the Fear Street trilogy. This track record suggests an intent to leverage its experience in adapting existing IP for new audiences.

Broader Industry Trends

The partnership reflects a broader trend of video game adaptations gaining momentum in the entertainment industry. Other upcoming projects include a Helldivers movie slated for next year and adaptations of Elden Ring and Call of Duty, both expected in 2028. Additionally, a The Legend of Zelda film is anticipated, though no release date has been announced.

Recent industry moves, such as Disney licensing Percy Jackson and Ice Age to Netflix and Peacock’s development of a Fast & Furious live-action TV show, demonstrate the increasing crossover between gaming, film, and television. These deals highlight the growing appetite for transmedia storytelling, where franchises expand beyond their original medium to create interconnected experiences for audiences.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

This partnership underscores the growing appetite for transmedia storytelling, where video games serve as the foundation for expansive film and TV universes. For founders and operators in the entertainment and gaming sectors, this trend signals an opportunity to explore IP beyond its original format—whether through licensing, co-production, or direct adaptation.

However, the lack of details about creative direction or timelines suggests that these projects are still in the early stages. This ambiguity could be a double-edged sword: while it allows for flexibility in development, it also means that execution risks—such as aligning game developers with Hollywood creators—remain unaddressed. For startups eyeing similar ventures, this deal highlights the importance of clear collaboration frameworks and shared creative vision from the outset.

Chernin Entertainment’s involvement adds credibility, given its track record, but the success of these adaptations will hinge on balancing fidelity to the source material with the demands of a different medium. Founders should watch how this partnership evolves, particularly in how it navigates the challenges of cross-industry collaboration.

Key takeaways

• Chernin Entertainment and Embark Studios are collaborating to adapt Arc Raiders and The Finals for TV and film.
• No details about creative direction, release timelines, or specific roles have been announced.
• The partnership reflects a broader trend of video game adaptations expanding into transmedia storytelling.
• Chernin Entertainment has prior experience in adaptations, including Netflix projects and major film releases.
• Other upcoming game adaptations include Helldivers, Elden Ring, and Call of Duty, with releases expected in the coming years.

FAQ

What are Arc Raiders and The Finals?

Arc Raiders is a third-person extraction shooter, while The Finals is a free-to-play first-person shooter set in a game show-style environment. Both games are published by Embark Studios.

Who is involved in the adaptation deal?

Chernin Entertainment is leading the adaptation efforts, with Embark Studios—the publisher of both games—involved in an unspecified capacity.

What are "integrated transmedia experiences"?

The term refers to storytelling that spans multiple media formats, such as video games, TV, and film, creating a cohesive and immersive universe for audiences.

Are there other video game adaptations in development?

Yes, several high-profile adaptations are in the works, including a Helldivers movie, Elden Ring and Call of Duty adaptations for 2028, and a The Legend of Zelda film.

Why is this deal significant for the entertainment industry?

The deal reflects the growing trend of video game adaptations expanding into film and TV, offering new opportunities for franchises to reach wider audiences through transmedia storytelling.

Related on Lazyfounder

• Disney licenses Percy Jackson and Ice Age to Netflix in one-sided deal
• Peacock’s Fast & Furious live-action TV show set for 2028