Imagine a simple QR code in a game could be the key to a great mystery. That seems to be the case with "The Finals," the new hit from Embark Studios for PC, PS5, and Xbox. A seemingly unassuming QR code has sent us on an exciting quest for clues.
The mysterious 'HOLTOW Quote' sticker
In the world of "The Finals," a sticker in the in-game shop called the 'HOLTOW Quote' has caused a stir. At first glance, it seems harmless, but it holds a secret: a QR code. Scanning it takes you to holtow.com, which only displays a flashing red light.
A Date as a Key?
The twist: The filename of the GIF with the red light seems to reveal a date - May 15, 2025. Could this be the release date of Embark's upcoming extraction shooter "ARC Raiders"?
Speculations about ARC Raiders
There are rumors that the open beta of "ARC Raiders" could start in the coming months, and considering two previous delays, it is quite possible that Embark is aiming for a release this year. But the date 5.15.25 raises the question: Does Embark have something else up its sleeve?
The Challenge for Embark Studios
Developing a live-service title is one thing, maintaining it long-term is a whole different story. With "The Finals" and "ARC Raiders" already in the pipeline, integrating a third game into the lineup would be a challenge. Unless Embark would focus on the single-player area.
The Possibility of a New Event
Another possibility is that '5.15.25' is an in-game date. Since the maps of "The Finals" cover different time periods, a new event or map could be in the works. The flashing red light would make sense in this context, as "The Finals" is a deadly game show.
Conclusion: Excitement and Speculations
Whether it's an announcement for PS5 and Xbox games or an upcoming in-game event, this QR code in "The Finals" has certainly sparked our imagination. Hopefully, Embark Studios will shed some light on the matter soon.
In the meantime, Embark is working on bringing "The Finals" into top shape, with updates for PS5 and Xbox addressing players' current issues. A new event or map would be the icing on the cake to kickstart the year 2024 perfectly for the studio.
