Introduction
The last substantial update we received regarding ARK 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular dinosaur survival RPG ARK: Survival Evolved, suggested that it would be released in early access by the end of the current year. Despite this, over a year has passed without any significant news, creating a suspenseful wait for eager fans.
The Gamescom Incident
Recently, there seemed to be a glimmer of hope when ARK 2 was listed as a playable demo at Gamescom at the Microsoft Xbox booth. Unfortunately, excitement was quickly dashed as it was revealed to be a mistake. “ARK 2 was originally listed as playable on the Xbox booth—this mention was made in error, and has been removed,” according to an editor’s note. This left many questioning whether ARK 2 exists beyond its enigmatic trailer featuring Vin Diesel and Auli’i Cravalho.
The Silence from Developers
Both Studio Wildcard and co-developer Grove Street Games have maintained radio silence regarding the status of ARK 2. This period of quiet, following the game’s initial announcement four years ago, has only contributed to the mystery. This prolonged absence of information makes the prospect of a timely 2023 release increasingly doubtful.
Microsoft’s Investment and the Future
Microsoft’s considerable investment of $2.3 million for ARK 2’s exclusivity on Game Pass for three years, confirmed in a 2022 SEC filing, adds another layer of intrigue. The anticipated sequel, if it does launch this year, would certainly be one of the most surprising releases in recent memory. Meanwhile, ARK: Survival Ascended, a remaster of the first game, continues to evolve in early access, signaling ongoing community support and developer activity.
Conclusion
The gaming community remains hopeful yet skeptical about ARK 2’s future. With the first ARK game still ranking high in multiplayer engagement on Steam, the sequel carries substantial expectations. Should ARK 2 finally see the light of day, it promises to be a polarizing and momentous addition to the series.