"Ark Fans Criticize AI-Generated Content in New Expansion Trailer"

The gaming community has expressed strong disapproval towards a new trailer for the Ark: Survival Evolved expansion released by publisher Snail Games. The trailer, showcasing the upcoming expansion Ark: Aquatica, has been criticized for its use of what appears to be poorly executed generative AI imagery. Snail Games announced this expansion at GDC, describing it as a non-canonical side story set in an ambitious underwater environment where 95% of the gameplay occurs beneath the surface.

Prominent Ark community member and Irish YouTuber Syntac, with over 1.9 million subscribers, denounced the trailer in a top comment, stating, “This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves.” The sentiment is echoed across the board, with other viewers labeling the trailer as “pathetic” and “embarrassing.” The trailer includes various instances of AI-generated errors, such as fish that blur in and out of existence, a distorted hand gripping a spear gun, a levitating octopus in front of an ambiguous shipwreck, and human feet morphing into flippers.

Marvel as this man's foot magically turns into a fin.

In response, the original developer of Ark: Survival Evolved, Studio Wildcard, has distanced itself from the project. On social media, they clarified that Ark: Aquatica is not developed by their team and reaffirmed their commitment to Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2. They also announced excitement for the upcoming expansion Ark: Lost Colony, set to release later this year, which will serve as a lead-in to the sequel.

Amidst uncertainties about the future of Ark 2, which missed its previously planned late 2024 release window, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that development is ongoing. They also introduced Ark: Lost Colony, a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that will pave the way for the sequel.

Actress Michelle Yeoh, known for her role in Ark: The Animated Series, reprises her role in the trailer for Ark: Aquatica.