Ark Fans Criticize AI-Generated Content in Expansion Trailer

A new Ark: Survival Evolved expansion trailer released by publisher Snail Games has sparked widespread outrage within the Ark community due to its heavy use of what appears to be poorly executed generative AI imagery. The trailer was unveiled following Snail Games’ GDC announcement of its new expansion, "Ark: Aquatica," which is described 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, with Irish YouTuber Syntac, a prominent figure in the Ark community with over 1.9 million subscribers, lambasting the trailer with a top comment stating, "This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves." Echoing Syntac's sentiments, other viewers expressed their disappointment, calling the trailer "pathetic" and "embarrassing." The trailer is littered with glaring AI-generated errors, 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 morphing into flippers, among other visual inconsistencies.

Marvel as this man's foot magically turns into a fin.

In response to the uproar, the original developer of Ark: Survival Evolved, Studio Wildcard, clarified on social media that they are not involved in the development of Ark: Aquatica. They emphasized their commitment to "Ark: Survival Ascended & Ark 2," and announced their excitement for the upcoming release of "Ark: Lost Colony," a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that will serve as a prelude to the sequel.

Amidst ongoing uncertainties about the release of Ark 2, which missed its previously planned late 2024 release window, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that the development of the dinosaur survival sequel is actively progressing. They also introduced "Ark: Lost Colony," adding to the anticipation surrounding the franchise's future.

Notably, actress Michelle Yeoh, known for her role in "Ark: The Animated Series," reprises her part in the trailer for Ark: Aquatica.