Vin Diesel Does Much More Than Star in Ark II

Vin Diesel Is Doing Even More Than Acting in ARK II

The Game Awards always see a slew of new games, projects, and sequels unveiled, and this year was no exception. One such example of a sequel that premiered at The Game Awards was the reveal of a cinematic teaser trailer for ARK II. The sequel to the hit survival game stars actor Vin Diesel. In addition to being given a starring role, the action actor also works alongside Studio Wildcard as President of Creative Convergence and Executive Producer.

The Original ARK: Survival Evolved

ARK: Survival Evolved first premiered in 2017 on all major gaming systems. The game was somewhat revolutionary for its graphics and concepts. In a stunning open world, players must capture creatures, manage resources, and fight to survive. The game features an array of unique animals, starting with dinosaurs but eventually expanding into a slew of mythical creatures.

The game was somewhat revolutionary for its graphics and concepts.

Like most successful open world games, there are endless ways to play, including killing enemies, taming dinosaurs, crafting weapons, hunting, building your base, and more. Perhaps one of the best aspects of the game was the choose-your-own-adventure style: Players could pick their way to play that best suited their needs and playing styles.  

ARK: Survival Evolved | Credit: Studio Wildcard

The game was relatively well-received, with MetaCritic averages in the high 60s or low 70s, depending on the version reviewed. The game was also thought to be a financial success and was, having spawned a sequel starring a big name in the action community. 

The World Premier of ARK II

ARK 2 appears to repeat the best aspects of its predecessor while working to expand the story of the game.

Ark II | Credit: Studio Wildcard

The announcement trailer, which appeared at the 2020 Game Awards, is stunning -- The ultra 4k graphics featuring a mix of immersive scenery, unique creatures, and real-world acting. Diesel plays the main character, Santiago -- a loving father and tribe leader. Right from the start of the trailer, you get a sense of what kind of game this will be: Within the first minute, Diesel is fighting off a hoard of hostile, prehistoric enemies, fighting for his life and that of his family. The assault on Diesel and his tribe is interrupted by an aggressive dinosaur, giving you a sense of the type of combat to expect in ARK II. In the end, Diesel and a young child - presumably his daughter - flee for safety in a cave, where they are greeted by a mysterious and glowing piece of equipment that Diesel greets as an "old friend." The trailer ends with Diesel using the tablet-like device and exiting the cave, smiling with his daughter.

ARK II is set to be an Xbox Series X|S console exclusive and will launch in 2022.

The trailer is exclusively cinematic, so no gameplay is shown. However, according to information available about the game, the game will be another sandbox, survival game. It will be exclusive to the Xbox console and will launch sometime in 2022.

Vin Diesel's Role

Vin Diesel has a wide array of experience with video games. As a veteran video game developer, he founded the development company Tigon Studios. The actor has also voiced numerous games dating back to the early 2000s. Diesel loved the original ARK and played it for hundreds of hours, so it makes sense that Studio Wildcard would want him on board.

...he also serves as President of Creative Convergence and as an Executive Producer...

In ARK II, Diesel plays the game's protagonist. However, he also serves as President of Creative Convergence and as an Executive Producer, something that was first noted by Studio Wildcard, which has been working with Diesel on the production of ARK II. While more specifics are not yet known, it is clear that Diesel will have a role in both the game design as well as the production of ARK: The Animated Series.

The amount of information released about ARK II - including more specifics about Diesel's role - is expected to be released in the coming months. For now, all we have is the cinematic trailer. However, if the trailer is any indication, it appears that ARK II will be a thrilling masterpiece and a worthy sequel to the popular original game.