"ARK Fans Criticize AI-Generated Expansion Trailer"

The new Ark: Survival Evolved expansion trailer from publisher Snail Games has sparked intense backlash from the Ark community due to its heavy use of what appears to be poorly executed generative AI imagery. The trailer was released following Snail Games' GDC announcement of its "in-house developed new expansion map, Ark: Aquatica". The studio describes this expansion as a non-canonical side story set in an ambitious underwater environment, where 95% of the gameplay occurs beneath the surface.

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly negative. Irish YouTuber Syntac, with over 1.9 million subscribers, labeled the trailer as "disgusting" and expressed shame towards the developers, echoing the sentiments of many viewers. Comments on the trailer have been universally critical, calling it "pathetic" and "embarrassing." The trailer's issues are glaring, with instances of AI-generated content such as fish that blur in and out of existence, a grotesquely deformed hand holding a spear gun, a levitating octopus in front of a shipwreck that seems unsure of its form, and human feet morphing 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 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" later this year.

Amidst ongoing uncertainties about Ark 2's previously planned late 2024 release window, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that the development of the dinosaur survival sequel is still progressing. They also introduced "Ark: Lost Colony," a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that sets the stage for the sequel.

Notably, Michelle Yeoh, star of "Ark: The Animated Series," reprises her role in the trailer for Ark: Aquatica.