"Ark Fans Criticize Expansion Trailer's AI-Generated Content"

The gaming community has erupted in outrage over a new trailer for the Ark: Survival Evolved expansion from publisher Snail Games, which has been heavily criticized for its use of substandard generative AI imagery. The trailer, showcasing the upcoming expansion titled Ark: Aquatica, was unveiled following Snail Games' announcement at GDC about their in-house developed new map. Described as a non-canonical side story set predominantly underwater, with 95% of gameplay occurring beneath the surface, the expansion has stirred significant controversy.

Irish YouTuber Syntac, a prominent figure in the Ark community with over 1.9 million subscribers, expressed his dismay, stating, "This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves." His comment, reflecting widespread sentiment, tops the comment section of the Ark: Aquatica trailer. Other viewers echoed his sentiments, labeling the trailer as "pathetic" and "embarrassing." The trailer is riddled with noticeable AI-generated flaws, such as fish that blur in and out of existence, a grotesquely misshapen hand holding a spear gun, an octopus inexplicably floating before a shipwreck that morphs between a rock and a ship, 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 ongoing commitment to Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2. They also announced excitement for the upcoming expansion, Ark: Lost Colony, set to release later this year, which will serve as a precursor to the sequel.

Amidst uncertainties following the previously planned late 2024 release window for Ark 2, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that development on the sequel is still progressing. The studio also introduced Ark: Lost Colony, an expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that will bridge into the much-anticipated sequel.

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