ARK Fans Criticize AI-Generated Content in New Expansion Trailer

The Ark: Survival Evolved community has strongly criticized a new trailer for the upcoming expansion, Ark: Aquatica, released by publisher Snail Games. The backlash stems from the trailer's use of what appears to be poorly executed generative AI imagery, which has been labeled as "disgusting" and "embarrassing" by fans. Irish YouTuber Syntac, with over 1.9 million subscribers, expressed his disappointment in a top comment on the trailer, stating, "This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves." Other viewers echoed his sentiments, pointing out numerous visual anomalies such as fish that blur in and out of existence, a grotesquely deformed hand, a levitating octopus, and human feet morphing into flippers.

The trailer for Ark: Aquatica was released following Snail Games’ announcement at GDC about this new, non-canonical expansion map. The expansion promises an ambitious underwater setting where 95% of the gameplay occurs beneath the surface.

In response to the uproar, original Ark: Survival Evolved developer Studio Wildcard quickly clarified on social media that they are not involved with Ark: Aquatica. They emphasized their focus remains on Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2, and announced a new expansion, Ark: Lost Colony, which is set to release later this year and will lead into the sequel. Studio Wildcard also confirmed ongoing development for Ark 2, despite missing its previously planned late 2024 release window.

Adding to the trailer's controversy, Ark: The Animated Series star Michelle Yeoh reprises her role, which has further fueled discussions within the community.