The latest trailer for the new Ark: Survival Evolved expansion, Ark: Aquatica, released by publisher Snail Games, has sparked widespread criticism within the Ark community. The trailer, which follows Snail Games' announcement at GDC about their "in-house developed new expansion map," showcases an ambitious underwater setting where 95% of the gameplay occurs beneath the surface. However, it has been heavily criticized for its use of what appears to be substandard generative AI imagery.
Prominent Irish YouTuber Syntac, with over 1.9 million subscribers and a focus on Ark content, expressed strong disapproval, commenting, "This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves." His statement currently holds the top spot in the comments section of the Ark: Aquatica trailer. Echoing his sentiments, other viewers have labeled the trailer as "pathetic" and "embarrassing," pointing out numerous instances of AI-generated visual anomalies. These include 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, among other issues.
In response to the backlash, the original developer of Ark: Survival Evolved, Studio Wildcard, has distanced itself from the controversy. The studio clarified on social media that Ark: Aquatica is not a project they are involved with, emphasizing their focus on Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2. They also expressed excitement about bringing Ark: Lost Colony, a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that will set the stage for Ark 2, to fans later this year.
Amidst uncertainties about the release of Ark 2, which missed its previously planned late 2024 window, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that development on the sequel is ongoing. They also introduced Ark: Lost Colony, further solidifying their commitment to the Ark franchise.
Adding to the trailer's appeal, Michelle Yeoh, star of Ark: The Animated Series, reprises her role, bringing a familiar face to the new expansion's promotional material.
