Snail Games Will Open A F2P Ark: Survival Evolved Server ... In China
Here's your "out of left field" story for the day: Wildcard Studios' dinosaur-themed survival game, Ark: Survival Evolved will be getting a free-to-play server on Jan. 1. The catch is that it'll be in China only. Oh, and it'll be operated by Snail Games.
According to 2p.com, the F2P server's content will be the same as the Western version, though with higher efficiency in experience, material collecting, taming, and breeding. For additional convenience, there will be a tutorial, private messaging, and mail boxes. A "battle server" will also be implemented to allow two tribes to wage war on each other.
We also got an e-mail from 2p talking up the Chinese server, in which they stated:
Ark: Survival Evolved Online may not be released in NA and EU, but the game is different to Ark: Survival Evolved in business model and some gameplay systems
Any talk of "business model" for a F2P game has to include a cash shop, though there are not yet any details as to what that entails for the Chinese Ark server. Whatever it is, it could be that China is being used as a "test run" for a possible NA or EU release of a F2P Ark game.
Wildcard Studios already tried dipping its toes into the F2P realm with Ark: Survival of the Fittest, a F2P "battle royale" version of Survival Evolved, earlier this year. After five months, the developer folded it back into the main Ark game but apparently hasn't given up on the idea altogether.
Would you hop into a F2P Ark server if it were offered in North America or Europe? Or will you be trying this Chinese server out?
About the Author

Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.
You May Enjoy
Lost Ark's June Update Won't Be Out On Time Since Players Had Concerns Over Monetization
Bots were a big problem the team wanted to get a grasp on, too.
By Michael Byrne - 1 week agoEven More Board Ratings Indicate Skull & Bones Might Actually Launch At Some Point
The game has been rated in South Korea and Brazil.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 1 week agoOverwatch 2’s Roadmap Is Here Along With An Inside Look At The Game's Future Vision
The new introduction of PvE could finally answer some questions about our favorite characters.
By Aspen Pash - 1 week agoHorror Shooter GTFO Rolls Out Seventh Massive Update, Adds New Gardens Location, Enemies, And More
Try it for free now during its free Steam weekend.
By Anthony Jones - 1 week agoOverwatch 2 Will Have Another Beta For PC And Console Players On June 28
Looks like player’s won't have to wait for early access after all.
By Aspen Pash - 2 weeks agoV Rising Debuts "Songs Of Vardoran" Music Trailer, Composer Provides Insight Into Process From Interview
Also, it turns out that the game has surpassed 2 million units sold.
By Anthony Jones - 1 week ago
Is poking at dinos with sticks fun?
I wonder.
- Not in NA or EU
kthxbye