Ark: Survival Evolved fans are expressing their disappointment over the unveiling of a new expansion trailer, Ark: Aquatica, developed by Snail Games. This trailer has been criticized for showcasing poor generative AI imagery, with the community describing it as "pathetic" and "embarrassing." Prominent YouTuber Syntac articulated the sentiment of many by calling out the trailer's quality, which featured poorly rendered underwater scenes and bizarre animations that detracted from the game's experience. Studio Wildcard clarified that they are not involved in this expansion, reaffirming their commitment to Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2, both of which are in active development.
nWhat is Ark: Aquatica and why is it controversial?Ark: Aquatica is a non-canonical expansion for Ark: Survival Evolved set primarily underwater. It has faced backlash due to its use of generative AI, leading to a trailer that many fans found unappealing and poorly executed. This reaction highlights ongoing concerns about the use of AI in game development and its potential impact on quality.
Ark: Survival Evolved is a popular multiplayer survival game where players can tame and fight dinosaurs while crafting and building their own shelters. Originally released in 2015, the game has spawned numerous expansions and content updates, creating a dedicated fanbase. The upcoming Ark 2 aims to continue the legacy, featuring even more ambitious gameplay and story elements.
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Comments
It’s wild to see how quickly generative AI can backfire when it’s used as a shortcut instead of a tool—especially for a franchise with such a passionate fanbase. Here’s hoping this misstep doesn’t overshadow the excitement for Ark 2 and Survival Ascended, which seem to be getting the love and care they deserve.
Oof, using generative AI in a trailer for a beloved franchise like Ark feels like a risky move, especially when the results look this rough. Hopefully, this serves as a reminder that while AI tools can be cool, they’re no substitute for the passion and polish that fans expect from their favorite games.