"Ark Fans Criticize AI-Generated Expansion Trailer"

A new trailer for the Ark: Survival Evolved expansion from publisher Snail Games has sparked widespread condemnation within the Ark community due to its heavy reliance on substandard generative AI imagery. The trailer, released following Snail Games' GDC announcement of its in-house developed new expansion map, Ark: Aquatica, showcases an ambitious underwater setting where 95% of the gameplay is set to occur beneath the surface. The studio describes this expansion as a non-canonical side story to the main Ark universe.

Irish YouTuber Syntac, a prominent figure in the Ark community with over 1.9 million subscribers, expressed his strong disapproval in a comment that currently tops the trailer's section. He wrote, "This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves," reflecting the sentiments of many other viewers who have labeled the trailer as "pathetic" and "embarrassing." The trailer is criticized for its poor-quality AI-generated visuals, featuring anomalies such as fish that blur in and out of existence, a grotesquely deformed hand gripping a spear gun, an octopus inexplicably levitating in front of a shipwreck that morphs between being a rock and a wreck, and human feet that transform into floppy flippers, among other issues.

Marvel as this man's foot magically turns into a fin. For its part, the original developer of Ark: Survival Evolved, Studio Wildcard, has quickly distanced itself from the controversy. The studio clarified on social media that Ark: Aquatica is not being developed by their team. They reiterated their commitment to the ongoing projects, stating, "Studio Wildcard remains entirely dedicated to the production of Ark: Survival Ascended & Ark 2, and we’re excited to bring Ark: Lost Colony to you later this year!"

Amidst uncertainties regarding the previously planned late 2024 release window for Ark 2, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that development on the dinosaur survival sequel is still progressing. Additionally, they announced Ark: Lost Colony, a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended, which is set to serve as a precursor to the sequel.

Notably, the trailer for Ark: Aquatica features Michelle Yeoh reprising her role from Ark: The Animated Series.