A new Ark: Survival Evolved expansion trailer from publisher Snail Games has sparked widespread outrage within the Ark community due to its use of substandard generative AI imagery. Released following Snail Games’ GDC announcement of its “in-house developed new expansion map, Ark: Aquatica”, the studio presented the expansion as a non-canonical side story set in an innovative underwater environment, where 95% of the gameplay occurs beneath the surface.
The backlash was swift and severe. Irish YouTuber Syntac, a prominent figure in the Ark community with over 1.9 million subscribers, condemned the trailer, stating, “This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves.” His comment currently holds the top spot on the Ark: Aquatica trailer's comment section. Other viewers echoed his sentiments, describing the trailer as “pathetic” and “embarrassing.” The trailer is riddled with noticeable AI-generated errors, such as fish that appear and disappear abruptly, a grotesquely misshaped hand gripping a spear gun, a floating octopus before a shipwreck that can't decide if it's a rock, and human feet that transform into flippers.
For its part, the original developer of Ark: Survival Evolved, Studio Wildcard, quickly distanced itself from the controversy. The studio clarified on social media that Ark: Aquatica is not being developed by its team, emphasizing its commitment to the ongoing production of Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2. Studio Wildcard also expressed excitement about bringing Ark: Lost Colony, a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended, to fans later this year.
Amidst uncertainties following the previously planned late 2024 release window for Ark 2, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that development on the dinosaur survival sequel is actively progressing. The announcement also included details about Ark: Lost Colony, which will serve as a lead-in to the much-anticipated sequel.
Adding to the trailer's intrigue, Ark: The Animated Series star Michelle Yeoh reprises her role, bringing familiar faces to the new expansion.
