"Ark Fans Criticize Expansion Trailer for AI-Generated Content"

The new Ark: Survival Evolved expansion trailer from publisher Snail Games has sparked widespread outrage within the Ark community due to its heavy use of substandard generative AI imagery. The trailer was unveiled following Snail Games’ GDC announcement of its “in-house developed new expansion map, Ark: Aquatica”. Described by the studio as a non-canonical side story to Ark, this expansion promises an "ambitious underwater setting" where 95% of the gameplay occurs beneath the surface.

The backlash has been fierce, with Irish YouTuber Syntac, a prominent figure in the Ark community with over 1.9 million subscribers, condemning the trailer as "disgusting" and expressing his disappointment directly. His comment is currently the most upvoted on the Ark: Aquatica trailer. Other viewers have echoed his sentiments, labeling the trailer as "pathetic" and "embarrassing." The video is filled with obvious signs of AI-generated content, such as fish that appear and disappear inconsistently, a grotesquely distorted hand gripping a spear gun, an octopus that seems to float unrealistically in front of an ambiguous shipwreck, and human feet transforming into flippers.

In response, 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 a project of their team, emphasizing their focus on "Ark: Survival Ascended & Ark 2," and teasing the upcoming release of "Ark: Lost Colony" later this year.

Amidst uncertainty following the previously planned late 2024 release window for Ark 2, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that they are still actively developing the dinosaur survival sequel. They also announced "Ark: Lost Colony," a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that will set the stage for the sequel.

Adding a notable touch to the trailer, Ark: The Animated Series star Michelle Yeoh reprises her role, adding a familiar face to the contentious preview.