Ark: Survival Evolved is finally getting a console release, much to the delight of its Steam-only fanbase. The multiplayer open world action survival PC game—which places gamers in a world where humans coexist with (and can breed and tame) dinosaurs—has proven to be a hit with roughly 2.5 million people worldwide and will now have an early access launch on Dec. 16 of this year.
Previously, the game was only available via Steam, but the Xbox One iteration promises to deliver three times the amount of gameplay of its original PC form, as well as Xbox-specific Ark servers and exclusive content for Xbox One users prior to (and up until) the game's full launch, which will take place in June 2016. The game will also be modified for Xbox-only gamepad controls.
"Ark is running beautifully on Xbox One, we're really proud to deliver the first open-world online survival experience on console, a genre that is typically found only in PC games," said Studio Wildcard's co-creative director and co-founder Jesse Rapczak in a press release sent by the developer and publisher.
As of now, Ark is the only game Studio Wildcard appears to have produced—but launching the game on Steam has been, according to Rapczak, the platform the company has needed to get it off of the ground and to give Ark its initial following.
"Steam's Early Access has given us a strong method to quickly iterate on player feedback, creating a strong relationship with our fans that constantly makes the game more fun," he added. "With Microsoft implementing a similar program, we're able to form a direct connection between console players and our team, the likes of which has never before been possible."
Users will also be able to discuss Ark on Wildcard's recently launched Xbox forum. The game's official full launch will take place in June 2016.
Here is Studio Wildcard's official synopsis of the multiplayer game:
"Stranded naked, freezing, and starving on a mysterious island, you must hunt, harvest, craft items, grow crops, and build shelters to survive. Tame one of 100 amazing dinosaurs and other prehistoric beasts, including gargantuan creatures on a scale never before seen in video games! Fly a Pterodactyl squadron over the snow-capped mountains, race through the deep jungle with your pack of trained Raptors, tromp through a fortified enemy base with a convoy of gigantic Brontosaurus, or chase down prey on the back of a raging T-Rex."
Check out the Ark: Survival Evolved announcement trailer from last May in the clip below.
Via: Kotaku
