Ark Fans Criticize AI-Generated Content in Expansion Trailer

A new trailer for the Ark: Survival Evolved expansion from publisher Snail Games has sparked widespread criticism within the Ark community due to its use of substandard generative AI imagery. The trailer, which surfaced following Snail Games’ GDC announcement of its “in-house developed new expansion map, Ark: Aquatica”, showcases the expansion as a non-canonical side story set in an ambitious underwater environment where 95% of the gameplay occurs beneath the waves.

The backlash was swift and severe. Irish YouTuber Syntac, a prominent figure in the Ark community with over 1.9 million subscribers, denounced the trailer with a top comment stating, “This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves.” Echoing Syntac's sentiments, other viewers labeled the trailer as “pathetic” and “embarrassing.” The trailer is riddled with AI-generated flaws, including fish that blur in and out of existence, a grotesquely deformed hand gripping a spear gun, a levitating octopus in front of an ambiguous shipwreck, and human feet that inexplicably morph into flippers.

In response, the original Ark: Survival Evolved developer, Studio Wildcard, quickly clarified on social media that they are not involved with Ark: Aquatica's development. They emphasized their focus remains on the production of Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2, with excitement building for the upcoming release of Ark: Lost Colony later this year.

Amidst uncertainties following the previously planned late 2024 release window for Ark 2, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that the development of the dinosaur survival sequel is ongoing. Additionally, they unveiled Ark: Lost Colony, a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that will set the stage for the sequel.

Notably, Ark: The Animated Series star Michelle Yeoh reprises her role in the trailer, adding a familiar face to the controversial footage.