Everyone likes dinosaurs, whether that be taking them in on the big screen, or playing host to them in the virtual world. It’s that appeal which has allowed Frontier Developments to find success with their Jurassic World series of games, with the latest – Jurassic World Evolution 2 – having just been updated with a new Dominion Biosyn Expansion, inspired by the film, Jurassic World Dominion.
We wanted to find out more about the expansion, so reached out to Frontier in hope. Their Game Director – Rich Newbold – was only too happy to spend a bit of time answering our questions.
Hi, please could you introduce yourself. What is your role at Frontier and on the development of Jurassic World Evolution 2?
Hi! I’m Rich Newbold, I’m Game Director on Jurassic World Evolution 2 and I’m the creative lead with everything we do with the game, directing the features and content we’re working on!
For those who haven’t yet delved into the world of the dino, could you give a brief overview of the game as a whole?
Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the hugely successful follow-up to 2018’s Jurassic World Evolution, and gives players a chance to try their hand at dinosaur park management. The game offers players a thrilling Campaign mode, expanded construction options, more customisation choices, and the all-new Chaos Theory mode in which they can play through ’what if’ scenarios from the films.
For those looking to unleash their creativity, Sandbox mode offers players all the tools they need to create their ultimate Jurassic Park or Jurassic World era dinosaur park. Challenge mode allows players to test their management skills in a range of different missions with escalating difficulty..
There’s more than 75 breath-taking prehistoric species to discover with flying and marine reptiles, and returning community-favourite dinosaurs, each with customisable colours and patterns. These majestic creatures feel more alive than ever, reacting intelligently to the world around them.
Since launch, we’ve also added some amazing DLC so that players can add even more species to their game, and with the newly launched Dominion Biosyn Expansion, park managers can experience our biggest DLC to date. There’s gripping new Campaign and Chaos Theory content, amazing new features, and for the first time ever, feathered dinosaurs, all inspired by Jurassic World Dominion.
In terms of DLC, we’ve previously seen a couple of pieces drop in, mostly focused on adding in new dinosaurs. The introduction of Jurassic World Evolution 2: Dominion Biosyn Expansion does more though – could you chat us through the new structures and elements that will be available in the park?
This Expansion is our biggest to date, with a wealth of new content inspired by Jurassic World Dominion. In addition to the awe-inspiring prehistoric species making their way to the game alongside a range of stunning new film-inspired variants and skins, players can get to grips with innovative new features and mechanics as they experience exciting new Campaign and Chaos Theory gameplay.
Alongside an exciting new Biosyn focused campaign narrative, players can also experience a thrilling ‘what-if’ scenario in Chaos Theory mode. They’ll be teaming up with Owen Grady to house and care for escaped dinosaurs at his snowy Sierra Nevada ranch, and working on keeping them safe from rustlers who are coming to steal them away. Build flood-lights, watchtowers, and other defensive structures to anticipate, prevent, and intercept these rustlers. A new dinosaur wrangling mechanic, which is arriving as part of the latest base game update, will also come in handy here.
There’s obviously new dinosaurs too – which species should park rangers be hunting down and adding in as a priority?
In addition to four mesmerising new species (including some amazing never-before-seen feathered dinosaurs) we’re adding some exciting new dinosaur variants and skins inspired by the film, including the Giganotosaurus and Dreadnoughtus variants. I’d highly recommend checking those two out, although be careful – the Giganotosaurus is a particularly aggressive carnivore and should be kept separate from any herbivores!
Could you tell us more about the new campaign that is included this time around? Does it fit in with the big screen release of Jurassic World Dominion?
In the Dominion Biosyn Expansion we expand upon the story of the new movie, Jurassic World Dominion and we’ve been really excited to craft a story inspired by the events of the film. During the campaign, players will be working as part of Biosyn Genetics in a beautiful valley environment helping to construct and run a new high-tech facility. Budding park managers will unlock new technology to transform the sprawling research compound, including the Hyper Loop transport system, which allows staff to move around quickly and safely. New amber mining techniques will allow them to unearth the DNA to synthesise feathered dinosaurs for the very first time. In the second part of the campaign, players will work to restore fire-ravaged land and create a true sanctuary in which dinosaurs can thrive.
You’re promising to give us the chance to delve deep into the amber mines, in hope of unearthing rare genomes. How will these be utilised in-game?
During the new campaign, the Biosyn Genetics Research Facility you’re tasked with building will provide you with access to the amber mines in the mountain range that surrounds the valley. Just like you’ll see in Jurassic World Dominion, these amber mines will provide access to precious amber-encased DNA of dinosaurs allowing never been seen feathered species to be bio-engineered and brought to life.
We’re big fans of the Chaos Theory mode in JWE2. Has there been any update to that with the Dominion Biosyn Expansion?
Absolutely! As mentioned above we’ve brought a brand new ‘what-if’ scenario to Chaos Theory mode as part of the Dominion Biosyn Expansion, inspired by the events of Jurassic World Dominion. You’ll be teaming up with Owen Grady to house and care for escaped dinosaurs at his snowy Sierra Nevada ranch, and working on keeping them safe from rustlers who are coming to steal them away. Build flood-lights, watchtowers, and other defensive structures to anticipate, prevent, and intercept these rustlers. Chaos Theory mode is a great way for fans of the films to take the helm and see how pivotal events from across the franchise will play out when they’re in control.
Away from the expansion, Jurassic World Evolution 2 has recently dropped into Game Pass. How have you seen that move entice in new players?
Jurassic World Evolution 2 has been received really well since arriving on Xbox Game Pass – it’s great to see so many new players trying their hand at dino-park management!
What’s next for Jurassic World Evolution 2? Are there more DLC packs and expansions planned?
We’re currently focused on the exciting launch of the Dominion Biosyn Expansion, and the accompanying free update. However, while we can’t share more right now, the team is working hard on future content for Jurassic World Evolution 2.
And finally, on a personal level, what’s the one dinosaur you just have to have in your JWE2 park!?
One of my absolute favourites, with it’s impressive neural spine sail, is the Dimetrodon. It’s not actually dinosaur – it’s technically a non-mammalian synapsid that lived in the Early Permian age. Although I’m also always going to include my forever favourite in the Triceratops, it’s always going to end up in just about all of my parks as it’s been a favourite dinosaur of mine since I was a kid.
Huge thanks go out to Rich for giving us his time just ahead of the launch of the Jurassic World Evolution 2 Dominion Biosyn Expansion. You’ll find that the game – and the expansion – is available to play on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5 and PC. The Xbox Store and Game Pass combo is a no-brainer.
Stay tuned for our full thoughts of how the Dominion Biosyn Expansion builds on the base Jurassic World Evolution 2 game soon.