Ark Fans Outraged Over AI-Generated Content in 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 use of substandard generative AI imagery. Released following Snail Games’ GDC announcement of its in-house developed expansion, Ark: Aquatica, the trailer showcases an ambitious underwater setting where 95% of the gameplay is set to take place beneath the surface. This expansion is described as a non-canonical side story to the main Ark narrative.

The backlash was swift and severe. Irish YouTuber Syntac, a prominent figure in the Ark community with over 1.9 million subscribers, lambasted the trailer, stating, “This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves.” His comment, reflecting the sentiments of many, currently holds the top spot on the Ark: Aquatica trailer. Other viewers echoed this sentiment, labeling the trailer as “pathetic” and “embarrassing.” The trailer is riddled with AI-generated errors, including fish that appear and disappear abruptly, a grotesquely misshapen hand gripping a spear gun, a levitating octopus against a confused shipwreck backdrop, and human feet transforming into flippers.

In response to the controversy, original Ark: Survival Evolved developer Studio Wildcard has publicly distanced itself from the project. On social media, the studio clarified that Ark: Aquatica is not being developed by their team, emphasizing their focus on Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2. They also announced their excitement for the upcoming Ark: Lost Colony expansion, set to bridge the narrative to Ark 2.

The future of Ark 2 has been uncertain since missing its previously planned late 2024 release window. However, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that development is ongoing. They also introduced Ark: Lost Colony, a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that will set the stage for the sequel.

Adding to the trailer's allure, Ark: The Animated Series star Michelle Yeoh reprises her role, bringing a familiar face to the controversial footage.