At first, Studio Wildcard intended to add Ark: Survival Ascended to the Xbox bundle offer that included Ark 2. However, due to a wave of adverse reactions from the Ark: Survival Evolved community, the game developers altered their plans. As a result, they will not be featuring Ark: Survival Ascended in the bundle package. The community’s adverse reaction was the primary reason behind this reversal of plans. Studio Wildcard has responded to the community’s concerns by reconsidering their original idea and taking steps to remove Ark: Survival Ascended from the bundle package.
The announcement by Studio Wildcard that they planned to close the servers for Ark: Survival Evolved has caused a significant outcry among the game’s followers. Players must purchase a new upgrade, Ark: Survival Ascended, to continue playing the game with new content and upgraded features in Unreal Engine 5.
However, the fan community has reacted negatively to this decision. Fans feel they are being sold the same game twice but at a higher price. Xbox players can purchase the Ark Respawned Bundle, which includes Ark: Survival Ascended, for $49.99, whereas PlayStation users need to pay $39.99 for the same package. The cost of the upgrade seems too high for the value it adds to the game, leading to significant dissatisfaction among the fanbase. They have expressed disappointment with Studio Wildcard’s decision and the pricing strategy.
After receiving unfavorable feedback from fans, Studio Wildcard has opted to withdraw the Ark Respawned Bundle, which consisted of a combination of Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2, for Xbox and PC players. The initial intention was to offer players two games for the price of one, but the offer has yet to receive a positive response from the fan base. The fans were disappointed because they needed more information about the currently delayed release of Ark 2 to make an informed purchasing decision. Recognizing the root of the problem, Studio Wildcard has decided to cancel the bundle to address its fans’ concerns.
In the aftermath of Studio Wildcard’s decision to cancel the Ark Respawned Bundle, players interested in buying Ark: Survival Ascended can now do so on all platforms for $60. However, they will not receive Ark 2 as part of this deal, so they will end up paying more for the same game. Although the bundle does come with DLC, it is less appealing than the previous offer.
Unfortunately, current players have no choice but to repurchase the game if they wish to continue playing, given that the Ark servers will cease functioning by August 31. It is worth noting that waiting for the sequel may also be a prolonged process, as evidenced by the postponement of Ark: Ultimate Survivor on Switch last year and the more recent delay of Ark 2.
Despite attempts to resolve the situation, the Ark franchise controversy continues. Studio Wildcard asserts that they did not mean to mislead players with their free update pledge, but it is clear that they have failed to grasp the needs of their player base. Players who want to keep playing Ark: Survival Evolved while waiting for the release of Ark 2 will need official support and server access. They may still have the option of playing through unofficial player-hosted sessions, though this may only be a temporary solution.
Moreover, the Ark Respawned Bundle’s cancellation has created dissatisfaction among some players who were hoping to receive both games for a discounted price. With the bundle offer gone, players must pay more to get their hands on Ark: Survival Ascended alone. It could deter some players from making a purchase and cause further frustration.
The situation has also highlighted the importance of understanding one’s player base and communicating with them effectively. Studio Wildcard’s need for clarity about the future of Ark: Survival Evolved has left players unsure of what to expect and has created a sense of uncertainty. As a result, some players may decide to move on to other games, which could harm the franchise in the long run.
In conclusion, the Ark franchise is currently facing a challenging period, with players feeling frustrated and uncertain about the game’s future. It is yet to be determined how Studio Wildcard will handle these issues and if they can regain the confidence of their community of players.