Introduction
“ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners” was released in 2017 by Studio Wildcard and has captured the minds of millions with its survival mechanics, crafting and a huge open world with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. One of the games standout features is its visual identity which is represented through its icons and banners.
ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners: Survival Evolved
Icons in Gameplay
In “ARK: Survival Evolved” icons are a visual shorthand for in game items such as resources, tools, weapons and creatures. These icons help players quickly identify items and what they do, making for a smoother and more intuitive experience. Icons are part of the inventory system, crafting interface and HUD (Heads-Up Display) so they are a big part of gameplay.
ARK icons are designed to be instantly recognisable even at small sizes. This means players can quickly navigate through their inventories or crafting menus without confusion. Clarity and distinctiveness of icons are key especially in a game where survival is often down to quick decisions.
Banners in the Game’s Branding
Banners in ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners are used to convey information, to immerse and to add to the overall look of the game. They are featured in various parts of the game from promotional materials to in game events. Banners often include key elements of ARK’s branding such as the logo, T-Rex, and thematic backgrounds that match the prehistoric setting.
These banners are not just for show; they are part of marketing, community engagement and storytelling. For example event banners set the tone and atmosphere during limited time events and promotional banners are used across social media and other platforms to attract new players.
ARK’s Visual Design Evolution
Since release ARK’s visual design has gone through a lot of evolution. Early access versions of the game had more basic and functional icons which have been refined and improved over time. The developers have been working on improving the visual quality of both icons and banners to meet the growing and more demanding player base.
As ARK got new content and DLCs the visual language of the game got richer and more diverse. This is evident in the more complex and polished icons and banners which now have more detailed artwork, more colours and thematic elements that match the different biomes and expansions.
ARK Icons Design Principles
Visual Style and Aesthetics
ARK icons are inspired by the prehistoric and survival theme of the game. The Studio Wildcard design team has added realism and ruggedness to the icons, since you’re in a wild and untamed world. This is done by using textures that mimic stone, wood and metal and organic shapes that feel raw.
The aesthetic choices are also driven by clarity and functionality. Icons need to be detailed enough to be informative but simple enough to be understood quickly. This balance is key, as too complex and players will be confused, too simple and they won’t get the information they need.
Color Schemes
Color is important for ARK icons. The color schemes are chosen so icons stand out in the various environments of the game. For example resources like metal, wood and stone are colored to match their real life counterparts so they’re easily recognizable.
In addition to materials, colors are used to show the rarity or quality of items. Higher tier equipment will have metallic or vibrant colors to differentiate them from regular items so players know their value and effectiveness.
ARK UI Icons
The UI of ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners uses icons extensively to give players a streamlined and user friendly experience. From the HUD to inventory and crafting menus, icons are placed strategically to make it more usable. For example health, stamina and other vital stats are shown as icons on the HUD so players can see their character’s status at a glance.
In the crafting menu icons are used to show recipes, required materials and the output. This makes the crafting process more streamlined so players can see what they need and what they will get without having to read the long descriptions.
ARK: Survival Evolved Icons
Player Inventory Icons
The player inventory is a big part of the game and icons play a big part in organizing and managing items. Each item type, whether its a weapon, tool or consumable has its own icon so you can quickly find what you need. The icons are designed to be easily readable even in a cluttered inventory, which is important in a survival game where time is of the essence.
Crafting and Resource Icons
Crafting is a big part of ARK and the game has a ton of resources that players need to gather to craft tools, weapons and structures. Each resource, from basic materials like wood and stone to more advanced ones like polymer and electronics has its own icon. These icons not only represent the item visually but also give information about its quality and uses.
Crafting icons are designed to be simple and informative so you can quickly see what you have and what you need. The visual consistency across similar items (e.g. different types of wood or stone) helps keep things clear in the crafting system.
Creature and Dinosaur Icons
One of the most recognizable parts of ARK is the many creatures and dinosaurs. Each species has its own icon that represents its features. These icons are used in the creature dossier, taming interface and inventory system. They help players identify different species and manage their tamed creatures.
The design of these icons balances realism with stylization so each creature is recognizable and fits in with the game’s art style. The icons also reflect the creature’s role in the game, with more aggressive or dangerous ones having sharper lines and more intense colors.
Building and Structure Icons
Building is another big part of ARK and players can build everything from simple shelters to massive fortresses. The icons for building materials and structures are designed to represent the construction and purpose. For example thatch, wood and metal structures each have its own icon that shows its durability and visual appearance.
These icons are important for planning and building bases as they help players quickly find the materials they need and understand the structure’s characteristics. The design of these icons is practical with clear visual cues that show the structure’s type and function.
Banners in ARK
Promotional Banners
Promotional banners are a big part of ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners marketing. They are used across Steam, social media and the official website to bring in new players and keep the community engaged. They feature the ARK logo, iconic creatures and backgrounds that fit the prehistoric and survival theme.
These banners have a big impact as they help establish the game’s identity and communicate updates or events. For example, banners for new DLC’s or special events have eye catching designs that highlight the new content. This not only gets players interested but also reinforces the brand.
In-Game Banners
In-game banners are used to enhance immersion and communicate to players. These banners are found in various places such as in groups bases, during special events or as part of the UI. They feature tribal insignias, event themes or other relevant graphics that fit the game.
The design of in-game banners is closely tied to the game’s lore and environment. For example, banners during an in-game event might feature seasonal or theme related imagery to set the tone and mood. These banners are not just decorative, they are a means of communication and storytelling in the game world.
Community Banners and Mods
The ARK community is very active and many players create custom banners and icons for use in the game. These community created assets are shared through mods which can be downloaded and installed by other players. This part of ARK’s visual design allows for a lot of personalization and creativity as players can customize their in-game experience to their liking.
Community created banners range from simple group insignias to complex artworks that depict entire scenes or stories. The ability to create and share these designs has created a thriving modding community which helps to extend the game’s life and diversity.
Iconography and Symbolism in ARK
Thematic Elements in Icons
The iconography in ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners is full of thematic elements that tie into the prehistoric and survival theme. Many icons use nature imagery like animal silhouettes, bones and early tools to help you get into the world of ARK where survival is all about mastering the environment and its resources.
Symbolism in Banners
Banners in ARK often have symbolic imagery that ties into the game’s story and themes. The ARK logo itself is a triangle with a metal finish, symbolizing the combination of prehistoric and futuristic. Banners during events might have symbols related to the event theme, like holiday icons or tribal markings that add to the game’s narrative.
Icons and Banners Tell the Story
The icons and banners in ARK do more than just serve a purpose, they also help tell the game’s story. For example the creature icons often reflect their role in the ecosystem, predators are more aggressive and herbivores are more docile. Banners during major story events or DLC releases often have elements that hint at what’s coming for the player.
These visual clues help to create a cohesive and immersive experience where the game’s story and themes are reinforced through its design. Players can often get a sense of the game’s world and lore by paying attention to the symbolism in the icons and banners.
ARK’s Icon and Banner Evolution
Early Access to Full Release
ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners went through a lot of changes during its development from early access to full release. This is most evident in the icons and banners. Early versions of the game had very basic and utilitarian icons which were gradually replaced with more polished and detailed ones as the game approached full release.
The evolution of these visual elements shows the game’s growth and the developers commitment to the player experience. As new features and content was added the icons and banners were updated to match the game’s visual language, to make it look more cohesive and professional.
Post Launch Updates and Visual Overhauls
After full release ARK has had updates that included visual overhauls of the icons and banners. These updates are often to improve clarity, functionality and aesthetics so the game looks good and is accessible to new and returning players.
For example big updates have added new icons for items and resources and refreshed banners for events and DLCs. These updates not only make the game look better but also address player feedback so the icons and banners continue to meet the community’s needs.
Old vs New Icons
Comparing the old and new icons in ARK shows the game’s progression. Old icons were simple and less detailed, just functionality. As the game grew the icons got more complex and stylized, more textures, shading and color variations.
This is a reflection of ARK as a game, from a simple survival game to a complex and visually stunning experience. The new icons are not just functional, they’re part of the game’s brand and help with the atmosphere.
Community involved in Icon and Banner Design
Fan Made Icons and Mods
The ARK community has been involved in creating custom icons and banners through mods. Fans have made many custom icons, from new creature icons to whole new sets of inventory icons that match specific themes or styles. These are shared on the Steam Workshop where other players can download and use them in game.
Fan made icons and mods show the creativity and love of the ARK community. They also show the game’s flexibility and support for player created content, where fans can put their mark on the game’s visual world.
How the Community Affects Official Design
The community’s influence on ARK’s official design is visible in how the developers respond to feedback and implement popular mod ideas into the game. For example some community made icons or banner designs have inspired official updates, resulting in new content or visual changes based on player feedback.
This partnership between the developers and the community makes ARK a living and breathing game. By listening to player feedback and embracing fan created content, Studio Wildcard has created a strong and active community that helps shape the game’s direction.
Community Designer Success Stories
There are many success stories of community designers who have contributed to ARK’s visual assets. Some fan made icons and banners have become so popular they’ve been added to the game and the creators have been recognized by the developers and the community.
This shows the value of community in ARK and is a motivation for all designers out there. 😉
Technical Stuff
Software and Tools
Creating icons for ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners requires special software and tools. Designers use programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and 3D modeling software like Blender to create detailed and scalable icons. These tools allow for precision and flexibility in design so icons can be both pretty and functional.
Using these tools also means icons can be easily updated or changed as needed. For example designers can quickly change colours, shapes or textures to improve clarity or to fit new content updates. This technical flexibility is key in a game like ARK where the visual elements need to stay consistent with the game’s evolving content.
The Icon Design Process in ARK
The process of designing icons for ARK involves several steps from concept to final implementation. Designers start by brainstorming and sketching out initial ideas for the item or creature they are representing. These sketches are then refined and digitized using graphic design software where the details are added and the design is polished.
Once the design is done the icons are tested in the game’s UI to make sure they are clear and functional at different sizes and resolutions. This testing phase is key as it ensures the icons are recognizable and don’t blend into the background or other UI elements.
Challenges of Functional and Pretty Icons
Creating icons that are functional and pretty is a challenge. One of the main challenges is making sure the icons are clear at different sizes. In ARK icons need to be recognizable in the inventory, crafting menus and on the HUD so they need to be effective at small sizes.
Another challenge is consistency across the game’s many icons. With so many items, resources and creatures it’s important the icons all share a consistent visual style but are still unique to each other. This balance requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of the game’s look.
Icon and Banner Use in Marketing
How Icons are used in Marketing Materials
Icons are used in ARK’s marketing materials. They’re often featured in promotional images, trailers and ads to highlight specific parts of the game. For example icons for new creatures or items in a DLC are front and centre to grab attention and get players excited.
Using icons in marketing helps to tie the game’s content to the marketing campaign. By using familiar and recognizable icons the marketing materials can quickly convey the essence of the new content and make it more appealing to the target audience.
Social Media and Online Banners
Banners are a big part of ARK’s online presence, especially on social media. These banners are used to announce updates, events and sales as well as to engage with the community. They often have dynamic designs that include the game’s logo, new creature or item icons and thematic backgrounds that match the current in-game season or event.
The key to these banners is to grab attention and convey info quickly. On Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where users are scrolling fast, a good banner can make a big impact by standing out and pulling the user into the content.
Visuals in the ARK Brand
The visuals of ARK, including icons and banners, are a big part of building and maintaining the game’s brand. These visuals help to create a strong identity that’s instantly recognisable to both players and new users. The consistency of the visual style across different platforms and marketing materials helps to reinforce the brand and create a cohesive experience for the community.
Visual branding is especially important in a crowded market where games are competing for attention. ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners help to differentiate the game and stick in players’ minds.
Icons and Banners Across Platforms
PC, Console and Mobile Icons
ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners need to take into account the differences between platforms, PC, console and mobile. Each platform has its own technical limitations and UI considerations that affect how icons are displayed and interacted with.
On PC where players have high resolution displays and precise input devices like a mouse and keyboard, icons can be more detailed and interactive. On console where players use game controllers and may have lower resolution displays, icons need to be more simplified and intuitive so they’re easily accessible.
Mobile presents additional challenges due to the smaller screen size and touch input. Icons on mobile need to be even more simplified and spaced out to accommodate the touch interface while still looking and functioning the same as the game.
How Platform Restrictions Affect Design
Platform restrictions such as screen size, resolution and input methods affect the design of icons and banners in ARK. For example on console icons may need to be larger or more colourful to stand out against the game’s environments. On mobile devices icons may need to be simplified so they’re easily tapable and recognisable on smaller screens.
These restrictions mean designers need to prioritise certain aspects of the icons, such as clarity and usability over detailed textures or complex designs. The goal is to have a consistent and functional experience across all platforms while still maintaining the game’s visual identity.
Cross Platform Consistency and Branding
Despite the differences in icon design across platforms, consistency in branding is key. Players should be able to recognise the game’s icons and banners regardless of whether they’re playing on PC, console or mobile. This consistency helps to reinforce the game’s brand and means players can switch between platforms without a jarring experience.
To do this designers focus on creating core visual assets that can be reused across all platforms without losing recognisability. This means keeping shapes, colours and symbols consistent across all versions of the game even if the level of detail or interactivity changes.
Other Games that Influenced ARK’s Visual Design
Other Survival Games
ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners was influenced by other survival games, especially those that also deal with wilderness exploration and resource management. Games like “Rust”, “DayZ” and “The Forest” have shaped the iconography of ARK, especially how crafting and inventory management is visually represented.
You can see these influences in the resource icons, crafting menus and survival stats where ARK uses established genre conventions but also puts its own spin on it. The prehistoric creatures and advanced tech of ARK sets it apart from other survival games and gives it a unique flavor.
ARK Icons vs Other Games
When comparing ARK’s icons to other games it’s clear ARK focuses on realism and thematic consistency. Many survival games use stylized or abstract icons, ARK’s icons are more detailed and grounded in the prehistoric world. This helps with immersion and makes the player feel more connected to the world they’re in.
Some survival games go for minimalist or symbolic icons that prioritize functionality over aesthetics. While this can make for a more streamlined UI, it can also sacrifice some of the thematic depth that ARK’s icons provide. ARK’s choice to go for detailed and thematically correct icons is a conscious design decision that aligns with the overall vision of the game.
What Makes ARK’s Visual Identity Unique
ARK’s visual identity is a mix of prehistoric and futuristic. This duality is reflected in the icons and banners where early materials and designs are combined with advanced tech and futuristic motifs. This blend creates a distinct visual style that sets ARK apart from other games in the genre.
For example the logo with its sharp angles and metallic finish embodies this combination of past and future. The icons for advanced weapons or tech have clean lines and polished surfaces while the icons for more early items have rough textures and organic shapes. This unique visual identity is what makes ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners stand out in a crowded market.
Icons and Banners in ARK
Upcoming Changes
As ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners continues to grow, icons and banners will probably change and be refined. New icons will probably be added for new creatures, resources and items, and updated banners for new events and DLCs. These will build on what we have now and add new themes and elements to match the new content.
One area of development could be more dynamic and interactive icons and banners. As technology advances we may be able to have icons that respond to in-game events or player actions, to add another layer of immersion.
Community and Dev Expectations
The ARK community expects a lot from the visual design of the game, especially with new content. Players expect icons and banners to be functional but also pretty and thematic. Devs have said they will meet those expectations by keeping the visual consistency of the game while also experimenting with new designs.
They also said they value community feedback and will continue to involve the community in the design process. This means the icons and banners will reflect the community’s desires and preferences, and be a more satisfying and inclusive game.
Future Visual Design Innovations
Looking forward, there are several ways visual design could innovate the icons and banners in ARK. For example procedural generation could give us more varied and personalized icons, and advances in graphic design software could give us more detailed and realistic designs.
Another area of innovation could be the integration of augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) into the game’s visual design. This could open up new ways to display and interact with icons and banners, and make the game more immersive.
Iconography and DLCs
Visual Themes in ‘Scorched Earth’, ‘Aberration’ and other DLCs
Each DLC for ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners has its own visual themes that are reflected in the icons and banners. ‘Scorched Earth’ has a desert theme, with sand, heat and arid landscapes in the icons and banners. ‘Aberration’ has a darker, more alien theme with icons that match the strange and mutated creatures and environments.
These themes are important for the world of each DLC to feel immersive and coherent. By matching the icons and banners to the DLC’s theme, the developers make the new content feel separate and part of the larger ARK experience.
New Icons in Each Expansion
Each ARK expansion adds new icons for the new creatures, items and resources in that DLC. ‘Extinction’ has icons for advanced tech items and corrupted creatures, ‘Genesis’ has icons for new biomes, missions and environmental hazards.
These new icons are important for players to navigate the new content and understand the mechanics and challenges of each expansion. They also add to the overall visual diversity of the game so each DLC feels new and exciting.
How DLCs Add to ARK’s Visual Language
Adding new DLCs to ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners adds to the game’s visual language with new icons, banners and themes. Each DLC adds to the iconography of the game, making the game feel more dynamic and interesting as players are always encountering new and cool visual stuff.
The DLCs also let the developers try out new design ideas and themes which can feed into future updates. The game’s visual language is always evolving.
Case Study: Icon and Banner Design in Specific ARK Events
Icons in ARK’s Holiday Events
ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners has holiday events like ‘Fear Evolved’ for Halloween and ‘Winter Wonderland’ for Christmas. These events have special icons that match the holiday theme, like pumpkins, snowflakes and festive decorations. These icons are used for event specific items, resources and creatures, to give the game a seasonal feel.
The design of these holiday icons is often more playful than the standard icons, to match the festive vibe of the events. These icons help to create a fun atmosphere and encourage players to play the event content and join in the fun.
Event Banners
Along with icons, ARK’s holiday events also have special banners that are used in promotional materials and in-game. These banners have holiday imagery and colors, orange and black for Halloween or red and green for Christmas. They’re meant to be attention grabbing and festive to get players to log in and play.
These banners have a big impact, they help create excitement and anticipation in the community and are a visual reminder of the event and what’s in it, so players can stay informed.
Themed Events vs. General Gameplay
Designing for themed events is different from designing for general gameplay. For themed events the icons and banners need to capture the spirit of the holiday or occasion but also fit within the game’s overall look. This is a delicate balance between creativity and consistency, the designs need to be festive and cohesive with the rest of the game.
General gameplay icons and banners are often more neutral and utilitarian, designed to be clear and functional across many contexts. But designing for themed events can influence the general design process and introduce new ideas and techniques that can be applied to the game’s standard assets.
Conclusion
ARK’s Icons and Banners Forever
ARK’s icons and banners have become icons in their own right, part of the game itself and the player’s experience. They’re more than just tools, they’re a representation of the game’s themes, story and community. With careful design and consistent updates Studio Wildcard have created a visual language that’s instantly recognisable and woven into the game itself.
In Summary
ARK’s icons and banners have a big impact on the game. They give players the information and tools to survive in the game’s world and add depth to the game’s visual storytelling. Whether it’s the simple design of a crafting icon or the beautiful image of a promo banner, these visual elements help bring players into the world of ARK: Survival Evolved (2017) Game Icons Banners.
As ARK moves forward the icons and banners will be a big part of that, helping to shape the game and connect with the community. The future of ARK’s design will be as wild and wonderful as the game itself, with new stuff and updates to keep us entertained for years to come.
