Unfortunately, Ark Survival Ascended will not be on Xbox Game Pass at launch.
The prehistoric world of Ark is about to get a major upgrade, and players are buzzing with questions. A big one on many minds is this: will Ark Survival Ascended be on Xbox Game Pass? This query is quite common for many anticipating the game’s arrival, and understandably so!
Availability on Game Pass would mean easier access for a lot of players. Knowing the answer helps everyone plan accordingly for their survival adventures. The community awaits the game’s release eagerly.
Will Ark Survival Ascended Be on Xbox Game Pass?
The question on every dinosaur-loving, survival-game enthusiast’s mind is: will Ark Survival Ascended stomp its way onto Xbox Game Pass? It’s a big question, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as we’d like. Let’s dive deep into what we know, what we can guess, and what this could mean for you, the player.
Understanding Xbox Game Pass
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Ark Survival Ascended, it’s important to understand what Xbox Game Pass actually is. Imagine a video game library where you pay a monthly fee to play many, many games. That’s basically it! You get to pick from a variety of titles on your Xbox console, PC, and even through the cloud. The catalog changes, with some games leaving and others joining all the time. It’s a super popular way to play, because it gives you access to tons of titles without having to buy each game individually. Microsoft regularly adds both big-name titles and smaller indie games to the lineup, making it a place where anyone can find something they like. For families, it’s especially awesome since everyone can play many games under a single subscription.
The History of Ark on Game Pass
To get a better idea of whether Ark Survival Ascended will arrive on Xbox Game Pass, let’s look at what happened with the original Ark Survival Evolved. The original game did make an appearance on Game Pass. This means there is precedence. It wasn’t there from the very beginning, but its arrival on Game Pass significantly increased the game’s player base and visibility. For many people, it was their first time experiencing the dinosaur-filled world. This points towards a possibility, but does not guarantee anything for Ark Survival Ascended. Past behavior does not always predict future decisions. We have to look closer.
Why the original game came to Game Pass
The addition of Ark Survival Evolved to Xbox Game Pass likely stemmed from a few factors. First, it provided a good boost in sales for expansion packs and in-game purchases, as the base game on Game Pass acted like a free trial. Second, it was a good way to get a lot more people playing the game, giving it a whole new life. The more people playing, the more exciting the world is. Third, it likely was a deal between Microsoft and Studio Wildcard, the game developers. These deals often help both parties; Microsoft adds to its growing game library and the developer sees a boost in game awareness and revenues. Ultimately, it was beneficial for both parties and their respective user bases.
The Case For Ark Survival Ascended on Game Pass
So, why might we see Ark Survival Ascended on Xbox Game Pass? There are several reasons that make it plausible:
- Increased Player Base: Like with its predecessor, putting Ark Survival Ascended on Game Pass will bring in a huge wave of new players. This is great for the game’s community and also for potential in-game purchases.
- Market Visibility: Game Pass is a fantastic way to get a game noticed. With so many titles competing for attention, being on Game Pass guarantees exposure to millions of potential gamers who may not have considered buying the game otherwise.
- Subscription Model Compatibility: Ark Survival Ascended, with its expansions and in-game items, fits nicely with the Game Pass ecosystem. Players who enjoy the game may be more inclined to purchase extra content that isn’t part of the core subscription.
- Past Success: The success of the original Ark on Game Pass shows both Microsoft and Studio Wildcard that there’s a market for this type of game on the service. The positive results of the previous Game Pass partnership may encourage them to repeat the formula for this new iteration of the game.
The Case Against Ark Survival Ascended on Game Pass
Now, let’s explore the reasons why Ark Survival Ascended might not be included in Xbox Game Pass:
- Financial Considerations: The developers might want to maximize initial sales by not launching on Game Pass, at least initially. Selling copies at full price in the first few months allows them to make back their production and development expenses more quickly.
- Exclusive Deals: There’s always a chance that Ark Survival Ascended might have an exclusivity deal with another platform, at least temporarily. These kinds of deals could prevent the game from appearing on Game Pass for a period.
- Prioritizing Full Purchase: Studio Wildcard could decide that, at this point in time, they prefer the profit of full game purchases rather than the less direct revenue of a Game Pass inclusion. If they’re confident in their product, they might prefer to see full sales before adding it to any subscription service.
- New Tech and Game: Ark Survival Ascended is built using Unreal Engine 5, a whole new technology from its predecessor. Studio Wildcard might want to see how the game performs without the added factor of Game Pass for the first few months after release.
What Could Impact the Decision?
Several factors could sway the decision one way or the other:
Initial Game Sales
If Ark Survival Ascended sells very well after its release, Studio Wildcard may feel less pressured to put the game on Game Pass immediately. Strong initial sales are often the goal of any game developer. If those goals are met, the game developers may prefer to maintain sales momentum before thinking about Game Pass.
Player Reception
Player reviews and general feedback could also impact the game’s future on Game Pass. If players have a positive experience with the game, the community will become bigger, making it an even more attractive prospect for Game Pass down the line. A positive reception creates a buzz and could influence deals and decisions from Microsoft and Studio Wildcard.
Deals and Negotiations
The relationship and ongoing negotiations between Studio Wildcard and Microsoft (who operates Game Pass) will play a significant role. These deals are complex and dependent on many factors. The details are often kept private, but they are a huge piece of the puzzle.
Long Term Game Plan
The developer might have long term plans for Ark Survival Ascended. Maybe they have planned a certain kind of release schedule or plan of action. The game has a lot of potential for expansions and additions, and these might impact the timing of a possible Game Pass release. If Studio Wildcard plans a long-term schedule for new content, they would keep that in mind when thinking about Game Pass.
When Could We Expect It on Game Pass (If it Happens)?
If Ark Survival Ascended does make its way to Xbox Game Pass, when might it happen? Well, if it followed the original pattern, we’d see it after the initial sales have passed a certain point. Typically, games come to Game Pass a few months or even a year after their release date. We might see it sooner if there is a big event such as the anniversary of the launch of the game, or a new console release. Here are some possible timelines to consider:
- A few months after release: This is possible, especially if initial sales are somewhat disappointing, or if Microsoft is keen to bolster Game Pass numbers.
- Around 6 months to 1 year after release: This is probably more likely, letting the game’s launch period and any potential sales momentum play out before jumping into the Game Pass system. This would allow Studio Wildcard to sell the game for full price to fans who want it immediately, while still attracting others later through the subscription service.
- Much later: It’s possible it could take well over a year, or maybe not happen at all if sales are very high.
Other Ways to Play Ark Survival Ascended
Even if Ark Survival Ascended doesn’t immediately come to Game Pass, there will be other ways to play it. Here are some of them:
- Purchasing it Directly: This is the most common method. You can buy the game on the Xbox store for your console and PC. You own the game and don’t need to pay a recurring fee.
- Cloud Gaming: Depending on your internet connection, you might be able to play Ark Survival Ascended on the cloud, if it is supported in the future by Xbox Cloud.
- Free Play Weekends or Demos: Sometimes, publishers will offer free play weekends or a demo of a game for a short period. This gives you a chance to try the game for free and to see if it is something that you want to purchase.
Keeping Up-To-Date with the News
The best way to stay informed is to keep a close eye on these places:
Official Ark Social Media Channels
Follow the official Ark channels on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and their own official forums. This is where Studio Wildcard will announce new features, plans, and deals. This is always the first place news like this becomes official.
Xbox News Channels
Watch the Xbox official news websites and social media for news about new games being added to Xbox Game Pass. They also announce game launches and deals through these outlets. Xbox often has gaming events where they talk about their game schedule.
Gaming News Websites
Keep an eye on popular gaming websites. These sites often get access to news early and will report the information in the article. Many gaming news outlets also have active social media accounts where they share important updates. Stay tuned to reputable gaming publications for the most accurate information.
Your Favorite Content Creators
Many content creators on YouTube or Twitch follow the game, so keeping an eye on them is helpful. Content creators sometimes have insider information or know more details about ongoing deals. This is especially true if you follow content creators who focus on Ark games.
The anticipation surrounding Ark Survival Ascended and its potential inclusion on Xbox Game Pass is palpable. While we can’t give a definitive yes or no at this point, the information we’ve covered allows a good base to speculate about the possible direction the game might go. The history of the original Ark on Game Pass makes a strong case for its sequel eventually landing there as well. Ultimately, the decision depends on many factors, including sales, deals, and the evolving relationship between the game developers and Microsoft. We know for sure that the question, will Ark Survival Ascended be on Xbox Game Pass, will be answered soon. For the time being, continue enjoying the game and keep your eyes peeled for more news.
Do You Need Game Pass for Ark Survival Ascended On Xbox Series X and S ?
Final Thoughts
Currently, Ark Survival Ascended is not on Xbox Game Pass. This information may change, so players should keep checking for updates. Future announcements might bring the game to the subscription service.
Fans must remain vigilant for official news. Game Pass additions often surprise, making it vital to follow official channels. The question ‘will ark survival ascended be on xbox game pass’ is still open.
