"Ark Fans Outraged Over AI-Generated Trailer Slop"

A new Ark: Survival Evolved expansion trailer from publisher Snail Games has sparked significant backlash within the Ark community due to its heavy reliance on poorly executed generative AI imagery. Released shortly after Snail Games announced their "in-house developed new expansion map, Ark: Aquatica" at GDC, the studio described the expansion as a non-canonical side story set in an ambitious underwater environment where 95% of gameplay occurs beneath the surface.

Irish YouTuber Syntac expressed strong disapproval in response to the trailer, labeling it "disgusting" and urging the publisher to feel shame. As one of the most prominent creators within the Ark community, Syntac’s criticism resonated strongly with viewers, currently ranking as the top comment on the video. Other comments echoed similar sentiments, describing the trailer as "pathetic" and "embarrassing." Visual inconsistencies abound, including flickering schools of fish, a malformed hand clutching a spear gun, an indecisive octopus floating in front of a shipwreck, and human feet transforming into flippers.

In response, original Ark: Survival Evolved developer Studio Wildcard distanced itself from the controversy, clarifying on social media that Ark: Aquatica is not part of their development efforts. They emphasized their commitment to Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2, while teasing the upcoming Ark: Lost Colony expansion.

Following delays pushing back Ark 2's previously planned late 2024 release, uncertainty surrounded its future. However, Studio Wildcard confirmed ongoing development of the sequel and unveiled Ark: Lost Colony, an expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended leading into the next installment. Notably, Michelle Yeoh reprised her role from the Ark: The Animated Series in the trailer.

Marvel as this man's foot morphs into a fin.