Ark Fans Criticize AI-Generated Content in Expansion Trailer

A newly released Ark: Survival Evolved expansion trailer, published by Snail Games, has sparked widespread backlash from the Ark community. Fans have heavily criticized the trailer for its apparent reliance on low-quality generative AI visuals that many describe as unprofessional and jarring.

The trailer dropped shortly after Snail Games’ announcement at GDC regarding its in-house developed new expansion map, Ark: Aquatica. According to the studio, this expansion serves as a non-canonical side story set in an ambitious underwater world where approximately 95% of gameplay occurs beneath the ocean surface.

Irish YouTuber Syntac, a well-known figure within the Ark community with over 1.9 million subscribers, voiced strong disapproval, stating, “This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves.” His comment quickly rose to the top of the trailer’s feedback section, echoing the sentiments of many viewers.

Community reactions are overwhelmingly negative, with phrases like “pathetic” and “embarrassing” dominating the comments. The visual inconsistencies are hard to ignore—schooling fish flickering in and out of existence, a grotesquely distorted hand gripping a spear gun, an ambiguously floating octopus hovering in front of a shipwreck, and human feet morphing into flimsy fins have all contributed to the criticism.

In response to the controversy, Studio Wildcard—the original developer behind *Ark: Survival Evolved*—has made it clear that they are not involved in the development of *Ark: Aquatica*. The studio took to social media to clarify their position, affirming that their focus remains solely on *Ark: Survival Ascended* and *Ark 2*, while also teasing the upcoming *Ark: Lost Colony* expansion slated for release later this year.

Following the missed late 2024 release window, concerns about the future of *Ark 2* have been circulating among fans. However, Studio Wildcard recently confirmed that work on the highly anticipated sequel continues without delay. Additionally, they unveiled details about *Ark: Lost Colony*, a new content expansion for *Ark: Survival Ascended* designed to bridge the gap between the current game and the next chapter in the series.

Meanwhile, *Ark: The Animated Series* star Michelle Yeoh makes a return in the latest trailer, reprising her role and lending her voice to the franchise once again.