Ark Fans Outraged Over AI-Generated Content in Expansion Trailer

The new Ark: Survival Evolved expansion trailer released by publisher Snail Games has sparked intense backlash from the Ark community. The trailer, which showcases the upcoming "Ark: Aquatica" expansion, has been criticized for its heavy use of what appears to be generative AI imagery, leading to widespread condemnation among fans.

Following Snail Games’ GDC announcement of the "in-house developed new expansion map, Ark: Aquatica," the studio unveiled an ambitious underwater setting where 95% of the gameplay occurs beneath the surface. However, the trailer's reception has been overwhelmingly negative. Irish YouTuber Syntac, with over 1.9 million subscribers, expressed his disdain, stating, "This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves." His comment is currently the most prominent on the Ark: Aquatica trailer, reflecting the community's sentiment.

Viewers have pointed out numerous instances of what they describe as "AI slop," including 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. These visual anomalies have led fans to label the trailer as "pathetic" and "embarrassing."

In response to the controversy, the original developer of Ark: Survival Evolved, Studio Wildcard, has quickly distanced itself from the project. The studio clarified on social media that Ark: Aquatica is not being developed by their team, emphasizing their focus on "Ark: Survival Ascended & Ark 2." They also announced their excitement for the upcoming "Ark: Lost Colony," a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that will serve as a lead-in to the sequel.

Amidst uncertainties about the previously planned late 2024 release window for Ark 2, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that the project is still in development. Additionally, fans were introduced to "Ark: Lost Colony," signaling continued progress on the dinosaur survival franchise.

Adding to the trailer's notability, Ark: The Animated Series star Michelle Yeoh reprises her role, bringing a familiar face to the contentious expansion.