Ark Fans Outraged Over AI-Generated Content in Expansion Trailer

The latest trailer for the new Ark: Survival Evolved expansion from publisher Snail Games has sparked significant backlash within the Ark community due to its heavy use of substandard generative AI imagery. Released following Snail Games’ GDC announcement of their "in-house developed new expansion map, Ark: Aquatica," the expansion promises a non-canonical side story set in an ambitious underwater world where 95% of the gameplay occurs beneath the surface.

The reaction from the community has been overwhelmingly negative. Irish YouTuber Syntac, a prominent figure in the Ark community with over 1.9 million subscribers, expressed his disdain with the comment, “This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves,” which currently holds the top position on the trailer's comment section. Other viewers have echoed similar sentiments, labeling the trailer as “pathetic” and “embarrassing.” The trailer features numerous instances of flawed AI-generated visuals, such as fish that blur in and out of existence, a grotesquely misshaped hand holding a spear gun, an octopus that appears to levitate in front of an indecisive shipwreck, and human feet that bizarrely transform into flippers.

In response, the original developers of Ark: Survival Evolved, Studio Wildcard, have quickly distanced themselves from the controversy. They clarified on social media that Ark: Aquatica is not a project of their team, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to "Ark: Survival Ascended & Ark 2." They also announced their excitement for the upcoming release of "Ark: Lost Colony" later this year, which will serve as a precursor to Ark 2.

Amidst uncertainties surrounding the previously planned late 2024 release window of Ark 2, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that development is progressing. They also introduced "Ark: Lost Colony," a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that will set the stage for the sequel.

Adding a touch of star power to the trailer, Michelle Yeoh, known for her role in "Ark: The Animated Series," reprises her character in this new expansion.