Ark: Survival Evolved Fans Lash Expansion Trailer Filled With AI-Generated Slop

The Ark: Survival Evolved community has erupted in outrage over a new expansion trailer for "Ark: Aquatica," released by publisher Snail Games. The trailer, which followed Snail Games' announcement at GDC of their "in-house developed new expansion map," has been heavily criticized for its use of what appears to be low-quality generative AI imagery. The expansion is described as a non-canonical side story set in an ambitious underwater environment, with 95% of the gameplay occurring beneath the surface.

Prominent Irish YouTuber Syntac, with over 1.9 million subscribers, expressed his disgust in the top comment on the trailer, stating, "This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves." The sentiment is echoed across the board, with viewers labeling the trailer as "pathetic" and "embarrassing." The trailer showcases numerous instances of AI-generated anomalies, such as fish that blur in and out of existence, a grotesquely deformed hand holding a spear gun, a levitating octopus in front of an ambiguous shipwreck, and human feet morphing into flippers.

In response to the backlash, original Ark: Survival Evolved developer 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 release of "Ark: Lost Colony," a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that will set the stage for the sequel.

Amidst uncertainties about the future of Ark 2, which missed its previously planned late 2024 release window, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that development on the dinosaur survival sequel is ongoing. They also introduced Ark: Lost Colony, which will bridge the narrative to the much-anticipated sequel.

Adding to the trailer's allure, Michelle Yeoh, star of Ark: The Animated Series, reprises her role in the Ark: Aquatica trailer.