The gaming community of Ark: Survival Evolved has erupted in outrage over a new expansion trailer released by publisher Snail Games. The trailer, which showcases the upcoming non-canonical side story expansion Ark: Aquatica, has been heavily criticized for its use of what appears to be poorly executed generative AI imagery.
Announced at the Game Developers Conference (GDC), Ark: Aquatica is described by Snail Games as an ambitious underwater setting where 95% of the gameplay occurs beneath the surface. However, the trailer's reception has been anything but positive. Irish YouTuber Syntac, a prominent figure in the Ark community with over 1.9 million subscribers, labeled the trailer as "disgusting" and called for Snail Games to feel ashamed. His comment currently sits at the top of the trailer's comment section.
Viewers have echoed Syntac's sentiments, describing the trailer as "pathetic" and "embarrassing." The trailer is littered with what many have identified as AI-generated errors, such as fish that blur in and out of existence, a grotesquely deformed hand gripping a spear gun, a levitating octopus in front of an indecisive shipwreck, and human feet that transform into flippers.
In response to the backlash, the original developers of Ark: Survival Evolved, Studio Wildcard, have quickly clarified their non-involvement with Ark: Aquatica. Through social media, they emphasized their focus on Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2, and announced the upcoming release of Ark: Lost Colony, an expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that will set the stage for Ark 2.
Amidst uncertainties regarding Ark 2's release, which was initially slated for late 2024, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that development is ongoing. They also introduced Ark: Lost Colony, signaling their commitment to expanding the Ark universe.
Adding to the trailer's controversy, actress Michelle Yeoh, known for her role in Ark: The Animated Series, makes an appearance in the Ark: Aquatica trailer.
