ARK: Survival - How the Epic Dinosaur Game Could Become a Hyper Casual Sensation
ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most epic and immersive dinosaur games in the world, with millions of fans and players across the globe. The game is known for its stunning graphics, realistic physics, and complex gameplay, as well as its massive features and modes, such as crafting, building, taming, breeding, and exploring. ARK is a game that appeals to adventurous and hardcore dinosaur enthusiasts, who enjoy the depth and challenge of the survival simulation.
But what if ARK could also appeal to casual gamers, who prefer simple and easy games that can be played in short bursts? What if ARK could become a hyper casual game, a genre that has conquered mobile gaming in recent years?
Hyper casual games are games that have minimal interaction, minimal depth, and a short and tight gameplay loop. They are easy to learn, easy to play, and low commitment. They are designed to be played in between real-life obligations, such as waiting in line, commuting, or taking a break. Some examples of hyper casual games are Flappy Bird, Stack, and Helix Jump.
How could ARK transform into a hyper casual game? What would be the strengths and weaknesses of such a change? And how likely is it for this to happen? Let’s explore these questions in this article.
How Could ARK Become a Hyper Casual Game?
One possible way to make ARK a hyper casual game is to simplify its core gameplay mechanic: surviving in a dinosaur-infested island. Instead of having multiple options and systems to control the health, hunger, thirst, temperature, and inventory of the character, the game could use a single tap or swipe gesture to perform all actions. The game could also reduce the number of dinosaurs, resources, and structures on the island, and the duration of the day-night cycle, to make the game faster and more dynamic.
For example, the game could have a mode where the player controls only one character, who has to survive as long as possible on a small island. The game could randomly generate different events, such as the appearance of dinosaurs, the availability of resources, and the change of weather. The player would have to quickly tap the screen to collect resources, craft items, build shelters, and fight or flee from dinosaurs. The game could reward the player with coins, stars, or trophies for surviving longer, especially if they encounter rare or dangerous dinosaurs. The game could also have leaderboards, achievements, and challenges to increase the replay value and the social aspect of the game.
Another possible way to make ARK a hyper casual game is to focus on the aesthetic and fun aspects of the game, rather than the realistic and complex ones. The game could allow the player to customize their own character, dinosaur, and island, using various colors, shapes, and styles. The game could also have different themes and modes, such as fantasy, sci-fi, or cartoon, where the player could use special abilities, items, or effects to spice up the game. For example, the game could have a mode where the player can use a jetpack, a laser, or a portal to manipulate the island and the dinosaurs. The game could also have a sandbox mode, where the player can create their own dinosaur scenarios and share them with other players.
What Would Be the Strengths and Weaknesses of ARK as a Hyper Casual Game?
The main strength of ARK as a hyper casual game would be its accessibility and appeal to a wider and more diverse audience. The game would be easier to play, more fun and casual, and more suitable for mobile devices. The game would also be more innovative and fun, offering new and exciting ways to enjoy dinosaurs. The game would potentially attract more players, especially those who are not interested in or intimidated by the traditional ARK game.
The main weakness of ARK as a hyper casual game would be its loss of depth and immersion, which are the main selling points of the original game. The game would be less challenging, less immersive, and less satisfying for hardcore ARK fans, who enjoy the realism and the complexity of the game. The game would also be less authentic and faithful to the genre, losing its connection and relevance to the real-world dinosaur science and history. The game would potentially alienate some of its loyal and long-time players, especially those who value the quality and the accuracy of the game.
How Likely Is It for ARK to Become a Hyper Casual Game?
The likelihood of ARK becoming a hyper casual game is very low, for several reasons. First, ARK is a well-established and successful franchise, with a loyal and dedicated fan base, who expect a certain level of quality and consistency from the game. Changing the game drastically would risk losing the trust and the support of the fans, as well as damaging the reputation and the brand of the game. Second, ARK is a licensed and official product, with contracts and agreements with various dinosaur organizations, museums, and experts, who have certain standards and expectations from the game. Altering the game significantly would risk violating or compromising these contracts and agreements, as well as offending or upsetting the dinosaur community. Third, ARK is a complex and sophisticated game, with a large and experienced development team, who have a lot of expertise and knowledge in creating realistic and immersive dinosaur games. Transforming the game into a simple and casual game would waste or undermine the skills and the resources of the team, as well as the potential and the value of the game.
Therefore, it is very unlikely that ARK will become a hyper casual game in the near future. However, this does not mean that ARK cannot experiment with or incorporate some elements of hyper casual games, such as adding new modes, features, or options that are more casual and fun, while keeping the core gameplay and the quality of the game intact. This way, ARK could appeal to both adventurous and casual gamers, and offer a more diverse and enjoyable dinosaur experience.