Released in 2017, Ark: Survival Evolved is an action-adventure survival game developed by Studio Wildcard, Instinct Games, Efecto Studios, and Virtual Basement. Set in a prehistoric world teeming with dinosaurs and other ancient creatures, the game has garnered a massive fanbase for its unique blend of open-world survival mechanics, crafting systems, and multiplayer experiences. Ark: Survival Evolved offers players the chance to build bases, tame creatures, and explore a beautifully detailed yet dangerous world.
One of the core aspects of Ark: Survival Evolved is its visual appeal, and part of that comes from its design elements, such as game icons and banners. These elements play a critical role in user interface (UI), branding, and community interaction. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of these assets within the game, their design choices, how they reflect the game’s theme, and their roles in the larger gaming ecosystem.
The Role of Icons in Ark: Survival Evolved
Game icons in Ark: Survival Evolved serve multiple functions. From representing creatures to depicting crafting materials, ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners these icons are essential for conveying information efficiently. Let’s break down the different types of icons used in the game and their specific roles.
1. Creature Icons
In Ark: Survival Evolved, players encounter hundreds of creatures, including dinosaurs, mammals, reptiles, birds, and mythical beasts. Each creature has a corresponding icon used to represent it in the user interface, such as in inventories, taming menus, and status bars. Creature icons typically feature simplified but recognizable designs of the creatures, often focusing on the head or upper body to ensure clarity, even at smaller sizes.
These icons are crucial for players to quickly identify their tamed dinosaurs or track wild creatures. For example, the T-Rex icon is a silhouette of its head with sharp, pronounced teeth, which immediately signals to the player that they are dealing with a dangerous predator.
2. Resource Icons
The game also incorporates a wide array of resources that players must gather to craft tools, build bases, and tame creatures. Icons for resources such as metal, wood, hide, fiber, and narcoberries are clean and distinct. The resource icons are not overly complex, making them easily identifiable, even in cluttered inventory screens. For example, the wood icon is a simple log, while the metal icon shows a shiny, rock-like piece.
Each resource icon plays a pivotal role in inventory management. Players can immediately recognize items by their icons, which saves time during high-stakes moments, such as when a player’s base is under attack or during a raid.
3. Tool and Weapon Icons
Crafting tools and weapons is an integral part of survival in Ark. Icons for weapons like spears, bows, crossbows, rifles, and swords are designed to be straightforward yet iconic. For instance, the spear icon shows a sharp-pointed stick, while the rifle icon features a sleek silhouette of a long-range weapon. These visuals help players quickly access the items they need without having to read descriptions or examine details.
4. Status Icons
Status icons are another crucial aspect of Ark’s interface. These icons appear near the player’s health, stamina, and other status bars, providing real-time information on conditions such as hunger, thirst, fatigue, and illness. Additionally, debuffs like poison or bleeding are represented with clear icons to alert the player to their character’s condition. For instance, hunger is symbolized by a gnawing stomach, while poison is depicted by a green skull.
These visual indicators allow players to monitor their status without needing to navigate through menus, making the survival experience more immersive.
The Importance of Banners in Ark: Survival Evolved
Banners in Ark: Survival Evolved serve multiple purposes, from player identification to tribe branding and event promotion. Let’s explore how these banners are utilized within the game world.
1. Tribe Banners
One of the unique aspects of Ark: Survival Evolved is the social system built around tribes. Players can form tribes with friends or other players, which allows them to share tames, resources, and territory. Tribe banners are customizable elements that help to establish a group’s identity within the game. Players can choose designs, colors, and patterns to represent their tribe, giving them a sense of ownership over their virtual space.
These tribe banners can be flown outside bases, displayed during PvP battles, or used as markers during tribal conflicts. Some tribes opt for intimidating symbols, while others may choose lighthearted or humorous designs. The ability to customize tribe banners fosters a sense of community and helps to distinguish one tribe from another.
2. In-Game Event Banners
Ark: Survival Evolved frequently holds in-game events to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, and special occasions. During these events, custom banners are often introduced to promote the festivities. For example, during the annual “Fear Evolved” event for Halloween, the game features banners adorned with spooky imagery like jack-o’-lanterns, ghosts, and bats.
These event-specific banners are not only decorative but also functional, as they signal to players that special content is available. The presence of these banners can create excitement and encourage player engagement during limited-time events.
3. Base Decoration and Customization
In addition to tribe banners, players can create custom banners to decorate their bases. This customization feature allows players to personalize their in-game homes, forts, and castles. Whether displaying a flag representing the player’s country, a custom logo, or even a humorous image, base banners are a way to show off creativity.
The banner system in Ark encourages player expression, giving them a chance to make their mark on the world in both practical and aesthetic ways. Players can choose different shapes, colors, and patterns, which allows them to blend their banners with the architectural style of their bases or contrast it for visual flair.
The Design Choices Behind Icons and Banners
1. Art Style Consistency
Both icons and banners in Ark: Survival Evolved adhere to the game’s overall art style. The game uses a semi-realistic, detailed visual design for its creatures and environments, and this is reflected in the icons and banners. Even though icons need to be simple for readability, they still maintain a level of realism that fits with the rest of the game’s aesthetic. Banners, while customizable, also retain a consistent style to avoid clashing with the game world.
This consistency in design ensures that the UI and decorative elements do not feel out of place. It also helps players feel more immersed in the survival experience since all visual elements, from the smallest icons to the largest banners, belong to the same artistic vision.
2. Ease of Recognition
One of the most important factors in the design of game icons and banners is ease of recognition. Since Ark is a fast-paced game where survival can depend on split-second decisions, the visual design of icons must convey information quickly and efficiently. This is achieved by simplifying complex objects into easily recognizable symbols.
For example, when crafting weapons, the player needs to instantly recognize the different materials required, such as metal or wood. If these icons were overly intricate, it would take longer for the player to identify them, ark: survival evolved (2017) game icons banners potentially leading to mistakes or wasted time.
3. Customization and Player Creativity
The design of banners in Ark emphasizes player creativity and personalization. Players are encouraged to create unique designs that represent their tribes or personal style. This level of customization is a significant part of the game’s appeal, as it allows players to leave a personal mark on the game world.
With the ability to upload custom images or draw designs directly in the game’s UI, the potential for creative expression is vast. Banners can be as simple or as complex as the player desires, making them a standout feature for those who enjoy decorating their bases or expressing their identity within the game.
Conclusion
Icons and banners in Ark: Survival Evolved may seem like small details, but they play an essential role in enhancing the overall experience. From functional icons that convey important gameplay information to customizable banners that allow for player expression, these visual elements contribute to the game’s immersion, community building, and aesthetic appeal.
By focusing on ease of recognition, artistic consistency, and creative customization, Ark ensures that these features are both useful and enjoyable for players. Whether you’re managing your inventory, identifying your tribe, or decorating your base, the game’s icons and banners are integral to creating the rich, survival-driven world that Ark: Survival Evolved has become famous for.
