A new Ark: Survival Evolved expansion trailer from publisher Snail Games has drawn fierce criticism from the Ark community for its heavy use of poorly executed generative AI imagery. Released following Snail Games’ GDC announcement of its “in-house developed new expansion map, Ark: Aquatica”, the trailer showcases what the studio describes as a non-canonical side story set in an ambitious underwater environment, where 95% of the gameplay occurs beneath the surface.

The backlash was swift and severe. Irish YouTuber Syntac, with over 1.9 million subscribers and a prominent voice in the Ark community, lambasted the trailer, stating, "This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves." His comment currently tops the feedback on the Ark: Aquatica trailer. Echoing his sentiments, other viewers expressed their disappointment, describing the trailer as "pathetic" and "embarrassing." The trailer is filled with glaring AI-generated errors, such as fish that appear and disappear abruptly, a grotesquely distorted hand holding a spear gun, a levitating octopus that seems unsure whether it's in front of a shipwreck or a rock, and human feet morphing into flippers.

Marvel as this man's foot magically turns into a fin.

In response to the uproar, original Ark: Survival Evolved developer Studio Wildcard 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 expressed excitement about bringing "Ark: Lost Colony" to fans later this year, a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that sets the stage for the upcoming sequel.

Amidst ongoing uncertainties about the previously planned late 2024 release window for Ark 2, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that development on the dinosaur survival sequel is still progressing. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to the new content in Ark: Lost Colony.

Adding to the trailer's allure, Ark: The Animated Series star Michelle Yeoh reprises her role, bringing a touch of familiarity to the controversial expansion.