In a recent and surprising turn of events, Studio Wildcard, the developer behind the popular game Ark: Survival Evolved, faced significant backlash from their community. The uproar stems from their decision to sell a major update, previously announced to be free, at a substantial cost. This blog post delves into the details of this controversy and the community’s reaction.
Studio Wildcard Initial Promise : A Free Upgrade to Unreal Engine 5
Ark: Survival Evolved, known for its immersive gameplay and dynamic world, had promised its fan base a free upgrade to the more powerful and visually appealing Unreal Engine 5. Therefore this announcement was met with enthusiasm, as players anticipated an enhanced gaming experience without additional costs.
A Sudden Shift: Introducing Ark: Survival Ascended
However, in a sudden shift of strategy, Studio Wildcard announced last week that the promised upgrade would be part of a new package called Ark: Survival Ascended. This remaster, instead of being free, was attached to a price tag of $49.99 USD. To heighten the astonishment, this package is exclusive to Xbox and PC players and includes the upcoming sequel, Ark 2.
Studio Wildcard : The Pricey Bundle and Separate DLC
The situation escalated when it was revealed that the DLC (Downloadable Content) would be sold separately. This meant that even players who owned all the original Ark content would have to spend upwards of $90 to access the full scope of this previously “free” update. A move seen by many as a significant deviation from the initial promise.
Community Backlash and Studio Response
The community’s response was immediate and overwhelmingly negative. As a result players expressed their dissatisfaction across various social media platforms, criticizing the developer for what they saw as a betrayal of trust and a disregard for loyal fans. Studio Wildcard, in response to this backlash, made a decision that only fueled the fire: they increased the price of the upgrade slightly, rather than revising their approach or offering compromises.
Reflections on Developer-Player Relationships
This incident raises important questions about the relationship between game developers and their player base. It highlights the delicate balance between business decisions and maintaining goodwill among loyal customers. As the gaming industry evolves, so does the need for transparent communication and fair practices that honor commitments to players.
Conclusion
The future of Ark: Survival Evolved remains uncertain amidst this controversy. The community’s trust has been shaken, and it remains to be seen how Studio Wildcard will navigate these turbulent waters. Will they stick to their new pricing strategy, or will they find a way to reconcile with their player base? Only time will tell.