I don’t know who asked for this, but I’m also not upset about it as this might be the most amusing thing the ARK Survival Evolved/Ascended franchise has produced in years: This week, Studio Wildcard surprise-launched an animated series on Paramount+, in conjunction with an in-game spectacle.
“Studio Wildcard today announced the Bob’s ‘Dear Jane’ ARK Animated Series Event in ARK: Survival Ascended. Survivors can now unlock the animated costumes of the show’s characters through the discovery of Bob’s ‘Dear Jane’ Notes, voiced by acclaimed actor Karl Urban, with the first week’s drop containing Helena, Bob, Dodo and Scary the Parasaur. Each ‘Dear Jane’ note details Bob’s escapades on The Island alongside the main events of ARK: THE ANIMATED SERIES, and new notes & costumes will be added to the game every Tuesday and Thursday through April 11.”
The show itself has apparently not spared any expense either; the cast list is insane.
“An animated adaptation of the hit video game featuring Michelle Yeoh, Gerard Butler, Russell Crowe, and Vin Diesel, ARK: The Animated Series is a sweeping saga spanning eons of human history,” is the pitch. “When 21st century paleontologist Helena Walker (Madeleine Madden) finds herself resurrected on a mysterious primeval island populated by prehistoric beasts, she must learn to survive with new allies from throughout time, while trying to uncover the true nature of their strange new world.”
You can even watch it right now, as the first six episodes are “available to stream now exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada,” with international launch set for April 19th. Happy transmedia synergy week!
