How Much Was Ark When It First Came Out?
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When Ark: Survival Evolved first launched into Steam Early Access in June 2015, it was priced at $29.99. This initial price point quickly made the game accessible to a large audience, contributing to its meteoric rise in popularity among PC gamers. The game, developed by Studio Wildcard, presented a unique survival experience that captivated players, and its affordable early access tag made it a must-have for many. This initial low price was a crucial part of its strategy to build a strong player base and gather feedback for development before its full release.
The Price Jump and the Road to Full Release
As Ark evolved during its Early Access phase, the developers made significant updates and additions, expanding the game’s world and features. As the game approached its full commercial release, Studio Wildcard made a significant price adjustment. The price of Ark: Survival Evolved doubled, jumping from $29.99 to $59.99. This was a controversial decision at the time, but it reflected the developers’ view on the game’s growing complexity, features, and the overall value it now offered to players.
This price increase was implemented as the game moved from its beta stage toward its full release, positioning it as a premium title in the survival genre. The price increase was seen by many as a signal of its quality and the amount of content the game now offered. The move also laid the groundwork for the game’s eventual inclusion in bundle deals and promotions.
Development Costs and Early Investment
The game’s development was not without its challenges. According to GamesBeat, Studio Wildcard had spent around $2 million on the game before it even reached Early Access. This early investment was critical to creating the initial version of the game that captured the imagination of gamers and helped to bring about the rapid growth of its player base. The team at Studio Wildcard, made up of individuals with extensive experience working together, was crucial in bringing Ark’s vision to reality.
The early investment and price point were instrumental in the game’s initial success, helping to gather vital player feedback and financial stability for future development. The relatively low initial cost also made the game accessible to a larger audience, helping to secure a vibrant community from the outset.
The Impact of Promotions and Free Offers
While $29.99 was the initial price, and later $59.99, Ark: Survival Evolved has been frequently offered for free or at a reduced price through various promotional events. Epic Games Store, for example, offered the base game for free for one week, significantly boosting the game’s player base. Similarly, the game was offered free on Steam for a week. These promotions were part of the game’s strategy to reach as wide of an audience as possible.
The free promotions not only increased the game’s player base but also led to increased DLC and in-game purchases, which generated significant revenue for the studio. As of June 2022, Ark had recorded 76.5 million console and PC installs, with 38.4 million coming from free promotions. The balance between initial sales, price adjustments, and free promotions has been a key factor in Ark’s sustained success over the years.
Current State and Future of Ark
The original Ark: Survival Evolved is now part of a package that costs $50 with the new sequel, Ark 2. This bundle strategy aims to transition players to the new title while still allowing access to the original game. However, the servers for the original Ark are scheduled to be shut down upon the release of Ark: Survival Ascended, which will launch as a standalone title for $59.99.
Despite these changes, the legacy of the original Ark remains a cornerstone of the survival genre, largely due to its initial accessibility, engaging gameplay, and strategic pricing and promotional strategies. Its impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, influencing numerous titles that followed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was Ark: Survival Evolved released?
Ark: Survival Evolved was initially released through Steam Early Access for Microsoft Windows on June 2, 2015.
2. How much did it cost to develop Ark before Early Access?
The development of Ark: Survival Evolved cost approximately $2 million before it was launched on Steam Early Access.
3. Why did the price of Ark increase during Early Access?
The price of Ark increased from $29.99 to $59.99 to reflect the growing complexity, features, and overall value of the game as it moved from Early Access toward a full release.
4. Did Sony pay for Ark to be a PlayStation Plus game?
Yes, Sony paid $3.5 million to include Ark: Survival Evolved as a PlayStation Plus game in March.
5. How much did it cost to develop Lost Ark?
Lost Ark cost approximately US$85 million to develop.
6. How many copies of Ark have been installed?
Ark has recorded 76.5 million console and PC installs, including 38.4 million from free promotions, as of June 30, 2022.
7. Was Ark ever free?
Yes, Ark: Survival Evolved has been offered for free on Epic Games Store and Steam for limited-time promotional periods.
8. Why was Ark offered for free on Epic Games Store?
Epic Games Store offered Ark for free to promote the game and attract new users to their platform.
9. How large is the game size of Ark: Survival Evolved?
The game size of Ark: Survival Evolved can be up to 400 GB due to its expansions and maps.
10. Will official servers for the original Ark be shut down?
Yes, official servers for the original Ark: Survival Evolved are planned to be shut down when Ark: Survival Ascended is launched.
11. What does the term “Ark” refer to in the context of the game?
In the context of the game, “Ark” refers to the futuristic, artificial environments where the game takes place, and is also derived from the “Ark of the Covenant.”
12. Is Ark 2 a first-person game?
No, Ark 2 will be played in third-person, a major shift from the original game’s first-person perspective.
13. Why is the release of Ark 2 taking so long?
The developers are taking time to adapt their workflows to the new game engine and are adjusting their pipelines for the “next-generation paradigm” to ensure the quality of Ark 2.
14. How much does Ark: Survival Ascended cost?
Ark: Survival Ascended will launch as a standalone title priced at $59.99.
15. What is the main objective in Ark?
The primary objective in Ark: Survival Evolved is to survive in a harsh, prehistoric world. Players can choose to be killers, peaceful settlers, or any other role as long as they survive.