Will Ark Survival Ascended Be on Game Pass: A Deep Dive into the Possibilities and Speculations

Will Ark Survival Ascended Be on Game Pass: A Deep Dive into the Possibilities and Speculations

The gaming community is abuzz with the question: Will Ark Survival Ascended be on Game Pass? This query has sparked numerous discussions, theories, and speculations among fans of the popular survival game franchise. As the successor to Ark: Survival Evolved, Ark Survival Ascended promises enhanced graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and an overall improved experience. But the burning question remains: will it be accessible to Game Pass subscribers? Let’s explore this topic in detail, examining various perspectives and potential outcomes.


The Legacy of Ark: Survival Evolved on Game Pass

To understand the likelihood of Ark Survival Ascended appearing on Game Pass, it’s essential to look at the history of its predecessor, Ark: Survival Evolved. The original game was a massive hit on Game Pass, attracting millions of players who enjoyed its unique blend of survival mechanics, dinosaur taming, and open-world exploration. Its inclusion on Game Pass significantly boosted its player base, making it one of the most-played titles on the platform.

Given this success, it’s reasonable to assume that Studio Wildcard, the developer behind the Ark series, would consider bringing Ark Survival Ascended to Game Pass. After all, the platform offers a vast audience and a steady revenue stream through Microsoft’s subscription model. However, the decision isn’t solely based on past success; several other factors come into play.


The Business Perspective: Why Game Pass Makes Sense

From a business standpoint, releasing Ark Survival Ascended on Game Pass could be a strategic move. Here’s why:

  1. Increased Exposure: Game Pass has over 25 million subscribers, providing an instant audience for any game added to the service. For a title like Ark Survival Ascended, which thrives on a large and active player base, this exposure could be invaluable.

  2. Revenue Stability: While Game Pass doesn’t offer the same upfront revenue as traditional sales, it provides a consistent income stream. This stability can be particularly appealing for developers working on live-service games that require ongoing updates and support.

  3. Cross-Platform Play: Game Pass supports cross-platform play, allowing players on Xbox and PC to join the same servers. Given that Ark Survival Ascended is expected to feature cross-play, this aligns perfectly with the Game Pass ecosystem.


Potential Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits are clear, there are also challenges and considerations that might influence the decision:

  1. Development Costs: Ark Survival Ascended is a next-gen title with significant upgrades over its predecessor. The development costs are likely substantial, and Studio Wildcard might prefer to maximize revenue through traditional sales before considering a Game Pass release.

  2. Timing: Game Pass additions often follow a specific schedule, and the timing of Ark Survival Ascended’s release could impact its inclusion. If the game launches during a crowded period, it might be delayed for a later Game Pass debut.

  3. Exclusive Deals: There’s always the possibility of exclusive deals with other platforms or services. For instance, if Sony secures a timed exclusivity deal for PlayStation, it could delay or prevent a Game Pass release.


Community Speculations and Hopes

The gaming community has been vocal about its hopes for Ark Survival Ascended on Game Pass. Many players argue that the game’s multiplayer-focused nature makes it an ideal fit for the platform. Additionally, the success of Ark: Survival Evolved on Game Pass has set a precedent that fans hope will be followed.

Some speculate that Ark Survival Ascended might follow a similar model to other Game Pass titles, where it’s added to the service a few months after its initial release. This approach allows developers to capitalize on early sales while still benefiting from the Game Pass audience.


Conclusion: A Likely Possibility

While nothing has been confirmed yet, the evidence suggests that Ark Survival Ascended has a strong chance of appearing on Game Pass. The success of its predecessor, the business advantages of the platform, and the community’s enthusiasm all point toward this outcome. However, fans will need to wait for an official announcement from Studio Wildcard or Microsoft to know for sure.

In the meantime, the speculation continues, and the excitement for Ark Survival Ascended only grows. Whether it’s on Game Pass or not, one thing is certain: the game is poised to make a significant impact on the survival genre.


Q: When is Ark Survival Ascended expected to release?
A: The exact release date hasn’t been announced, but it’s anticipated to launch in late 2023 or early 2024.

Q: Will Ark Survival Ascended support cross-platform play?
A: Yes, the developers have confirmed that cross-platform play will be a feature, allowing players on different systems to join the same servers.

Q: What improvements does Ark Survival Ascended offer over Ark: Survival Evolved?
A: The game features enhanced graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and a more polished experience overall, leveraging next-gen hardware capabilities.

Q: Can I transfer my progress from Ark: Survival Evolved to Ark Survival Ascended?
A: Details on progress transfer haven’t been fully disclosed, but it’s unlikely due to the significant changes and upgrades in the new version.

Q: Will Ark Survival Ascended be available on PlayStation and PC?
A: Yes, the game is expected to launch on multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.