What's Happening?
Ark 2, the sequel to the dino-taming survival game, has been delayed to a new release window in 2028. This announcement was made during Snail Games' Investor Day at the NASDAQ Marketsite building. The game, initially announced in 2020, has faced multiple delays, with the original release planned for 2023, then pushed to 2024. Studio Wildcard, the developer, has been relatively quiet about the game's progress. Vin Diesel is involved in the game's development and stars in it as the 'president of creative convergence.' The studio also revealed a two-year roadmap for Ark: Survival Ascended, which will lead to the release of Legacy of Santiago, an expansion that will introduce new gameplay mechanics for Ark 2. Additionally, Ark: The Animated Series,
which debuted last year, will have its second part released in 2026.
Why It's Important?
The delay of Ark 2 to 2028 strategically positions the game to avoid direct competition with the highly anticipated GTA 6, which is expected to dominate the gaming market upon its release. This move could benefit Ark 2 by allowing it to capture more attention and sales without the overshadowing presence of a major competitor. The involvement of Vin Diesel and the development of an animated series suggest a broader multimedia strategy to expand the franchise's reach. The success of Ark: Survival Ascended, with 4 million copies sold, indicates a strong existing fan base that could support the sequel's eventual release.
