"Ark Fans Criticize Expansion Trailer's AI-Generated Content"

A new Ark: Survival Evolved expansion trailer from publisher Snail Games has sparked widespread condemnation within the Ark community due to its evident use of poor-quality generative AI imagery. The trailer was released following Snail Games’ GDC announcement of their new expansion map, "Ark: Aquatica," described as a non-canonical side story set in an ambitious underwater environment where 95% of gameplay occurs beneath the surface.

Irish YouTuber Syntac, a prominent figure in the Ark community with over 1.9 million subscribers, expressed strong disapproval, stating, "This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves." His comment is currently the most upvoted on the Ark: Aquatica trailer, reflecting the unanimous sentiment of other viewers who have labeled the trailer as "pathetic" and "embarrassing." The trailer showcases multiple instances of AI-generated anomalies, such as fish that blur in and out of existence, a grotesquely deformed hand gripping a spear gun, a levitating octopus near an ambiguous shipwreck, and human feet transforming into flippers.

In response to the backlash, original Ark: Survival Evolved developer Studio Wildcard quickly distanced itself from the project, clarifying on social media that Ark: Aquatica is not being developed by their team. They reaffirmed their commitment to "Ark: Survival Ascended & Ark 2" and announced their excitement for "Ark: Lost Colony," a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that will serve as a prelude to the sequel, set to be released later this year.

Amidst ongoing uncertainty about the future of Ark 2, which missed its previously planned late 2024 release window, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that development is still progressing. They also introduced "Ark: Lost Colony," which aims to bridge the narrative to the sequel.

Adding to the trailer's appeal, Michelle Yeoh, star of "Ark: The Animated Series," reprises her role, bringing a familiar face to the underwater adventure.