In a recent conversation, former Bungie developer Chris Sides criticized the term "extraction shooter," calling it misleading and problematic for players. He argues that the genre name fails to convey what players can expect from various games that have been labeled under this umbrella, including Helldivers 2 and Arc Raiders. Sides emphasized that while extraction is a mechanic in many of these titles, the diversity among them makes the genre label confusing and unhelpful. He noted that despite the vague terminology, Arc Raiders has seen impressive sales, highlighting its appeal as a multiplayer extraction adventure.

What is an extraction shooter and why is the term considered problematic?

An extraction shooter is a sub-genre of shooter games focused on players extracting items or completing objectives from a hostile environment. The term is considered problematic because it doesn't accurately represent the variety of games within the genre, leading to confusion about gameplay expectations. This lack of clarity makes it difficult for players to know what they are getting into when exploring different titles labeled as extraction shooters.

Arc Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, is a standout title in this discussion, marketed as a multiplayer extraction adventure, distinguishing itself from traditional extraction shooters. The game has enjoyed significant success, selling 4 million copies shortly after release. Meanwhile, Bungie's Marathon, a team-based extraction shooter, has faced delays but continues to generate interest in the gaming community, reflecting the genre's complexity and evolving nature.