Studio Wildcard, the studio behind the mixed reviewed 2015 survival game Ark: Survival Evolved, has revealed that Ark 2 will have to be delayed until sometime next year. The delay is largely because the studio upgraded engines to Unreal Engine 5, which demands the devs learn the new technology behind the engine.
Ark 2 isn't a stranger to delays, it was previously billed as a 2022 title before getting pushed into 2023 for seemingly no reason during that month's Bethesda Games Showcase. Now, it's being pushed into 2024, but at least they're logging a reason behind the delay.
As it stands, the most significant stuff we know about this game is that it will shift away from the original's tone and style, will be an Xbox console exclusive available on Game Pass on day one, and will star superstar Vin Diesel.
Unfortunately, this delay also causes trouble for those waiting for more gameplay, as Studio Wildcard has confirmed they won't showcase any Ark 2 gameplay until early 2024. The studio also kept its release date under wraps, likely because they aren't sure when the game will be complete enough to release. Once it releases, it will reportedly be on Game Pass for a staggering three years at the least.
Full Statement
"Our goal is to make ARK 2 the best game it can be and provide a truly exceptional and rewarding experience for players. Unreal Engine 5 is incredibly new technology to us (and all developers), and we aim to use this cutting-edge tech to its fullest potential while creating a game with never-before-achieved scope at Studio Wildcard. As we learn more about the engine and develop the sequel, we have adapted our workflows and adjusted our pipelines to accommodate this new next-generation paradigm, and because of everything that involves, we need more time for development."