A newly released trailer for “Ark: Aquatica,” an expansion for “Ark: Survival Evolved” from publisher Snail Games, has been met with harsh criticism from the Ark community, who allege the use of generative AI imagery.
The trailer, coinciding with Snail Games’ GDC announcement, introduces “Ark: Aquatica” as a non-canonical side story set in an underwater environment, with the gameplay reportedly taking place primarily beneath the surface.
Irish YouTuber Syntac, a popular Ark-focused content creator with over 1.9 million subscribers, labeled the trailer “disgusting” in response. The comment currently sits atop the trailer’s comment section, with others expressing similar negative sentiments, calling it “pathetic” and “embarrassing.” The trailer is reportedly filled with issues that suggest AI generation. Examples include fish flickering in and out of existence, a deformed hand grasping a spear gun, a levitating octopus near a shipwreck that appears poorly rendered, and human feet morphing into flippers.
Developer Studio Wildcard, the original creator of “Ark: Survival Evolved,” quickly distanced itself from the controversy. They clarified on social media that their team is not developing “Ark: Aquatica,” emphasizing their focus on “Ark: Survival Ascended & Ark 2,” and announcing “Ark: Lost Colony,” slated for release later this year.
The future of “Ark 2” was previously uncertain after missing its late 2024 release window, but Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that development is underway. They also announced “Ark: Lost Colony,” a new expansion for “Ark: Survival Ascended,” which will tie into the sequel.
