Ark 2 is coming—here's what we know so far

Ark 2 is, somehow, a real videogame, and it's got a whole bunch of Vin Diesel (in some capacity). One of the least expected reveals of The Game Awards 2020, Studio Wildcard debuted Ark 2 with a lengthy cinematic starring Vin Diesel's character beating up dinos and looking generally ripped, if a little CGI plasticky.

But, wait, isn't Ark a multiplayer survival game? What's with these voiced characters and stories? It seems like Studio Wildcard has bigger ambitions for the Ark franchise, including an animated show starring Diesel, Russel Crowe, Elliot Page, Karl Urban, and more.

Here's what we know about the actual game so far.

When does Ark 2 release?

Studio Wildcard isn't talking release dates yet for Ark 2, suggesting that the game is still far away. Keep in mind that the first game launched in Early Access and didn't hit a full release until 2017, a full two years later. With a big star like Vin Diesel attached, Early Access might not be the plan this time around, though.

Watch the Ark 2 reveal cinematic

Out of nowhere Studio Wildcard dropped a 4-minute cinematic reveal trailer for Ark 2. A follow-up to Survival Evolved, a game known for its big expansions, is surprising enough, but even crazier is that Ark 2 will star Vin Diesel.

Studio Wildcard later said on Twitter that the trailer was made completely in-engine with real game assets. It's hard to believe the final game will look quite this good when it releases, but it's nonetheless impressive.

Vin Diesel's character is named Santiago

As we see in the cinematic, Vin Diesel's character Santiago appears to be wading through dino-infested forest alongside who might be his wife and daughter. According to his bio from the animated series trailer, Santiago is a "24th-century ‘Mek’-pilot, gearhead, & freedom-fighter." He's also got a little tribe in tow, who run into a bit of trouble when a band of creepy blue guys jumps them. Vin Diesel holds them off until a t-rex decides to stomp in and ruin the party.

Will Ark 2 have a playable story?

✅next gen graphics✅next gen online multiplayer sandbox✅next gen logo✅next gen hype pic.twitter.com/MfT5aTYu5ODecember 11, 2020

While the cinematic trailer certainly gives you the idea that Ark 2 will be about Vin Diesel's best efforts to not get eaten by dinosaurs, the official Ark Twitter account clarified that Ark 2 is indeed an online multiplayer sandbox.

At least, that's what its willing to share at the moment. Maybe Vin Diesel's Santiago will be featured prominently in the lore, or maybe he'll be a vendor? For a game that's always been about the social interactions between actual players, throwing living, breathing fictional characters into the mix does raise questions.

An Ark animated series is in the works, and the cast is stacked

If that wasn't enough excitement, Ark is also getting its own show simplay called Ark: The Animated Series. Here's the official synopsis from the trailer:

"ARK: The Animated Series chronicles the story of a mysterious primeval land populated by dinosaurs and other extinct creatures, where people from throughout human history have been resurrected. When 21st century Australian paleontologist Helena Walker awakes on the ARK after tragedy, she must learn to survive and find new allies, or die again at the hands of ruthless warlords -- all while trying to uncover the true nature of their strange new world."

Sounds neat! Even cooler is the stacked talent that's on board for the show, including Vin Diesel (of course), Russel Crowe, Elliot Page, Gerard Butler, David Tenant, Karl Urban, Alan Tudyk, and Malcolm McDowell. Here's a complete list actors and characters they're playing:

• Gerard Butler plays General Gaius Marcellus Nerva, a brutal ancient Roman despot.
• Devery Jacobs plays Alasie, a peppy 17th century Inuit teenager, now finding her place on the ARK.
• Cissy Jones plays The Gladiatrix, a formidable commander in Nerva's army.
• Madeleine Madden plays 21st century Australian paleontologist Helena Walker, newly awoken on the ARK.
• Deborah Mailman plays Deborah Walker, a 21st century Aboriginal Australian activist, and mother to Helena Walker.
• Zahn McClarnon plays Thunder Comes Charging, a 19th century Lakota warrior who leads a thriving community on the ARK.
• Malcolm McDowell plays Senator Lucius Cassius Virilis, a manipulative aristocrat during the reign of Caesar Augustus.
• Juliet Mills plays Chava, a wise healer and village councilmember.
• Elliot Page plays Victoria Walker, an idealistic humanitarian aid worker, and wife of Helena Walker.
• Ragga Ragnars plays Queen Sigrid, a bellicose 10th century Viking warlord.
• David Tennant plays Sir Edmund Rockwell, an egocentric 19th century scientist harboring dark ambitions.
• Alan Tudyk plays The Captain, a crusty buccaneer who profitably sails the dangerous waters around the ARK.
• Karl Urban plays Bob, a recent square-jawed ARK arrival.
• Jeffrey Wright plays Henry Townsend, an 18th century American watchmaker and Patriot spy.
• Michelle Yeoh plays Meiyin Li, a 3rd century Chinese rebel leader, known on the ARK by her reputation as the formidable “Beast Queen.”
• Ron Yuan plays Han Li, a 3rd century Chinese rebel leader and brother to Meiyin.
• With Russell Crowe playing Kor the Prophet, an eccentric ‘dino-whisperer’ hailing from a time before recorded history.
• And Vin Diesel playing 24th century ‘Mek’-pilot, gearhead, & freedom-fighter Santiago.