A new Ark: Survival Evolved expansion trailer from publisher Snail Games has sparked intense backlash from the Ark community, primarily due to its use of what appears to be low-quality generative AI imagery.

The trailer was released following Snail Games’ GDC announcement of its “in-house developed new expansion map, Ark: Aquatica”. According to the studio, this expansion offers a non-canonical side story set in an "ambitious underwater environment" where 95% of the gameplay occurs beneath the surface.

“This is disgusting and you should be ashamed of yourselves,” remarked Irish YouTuber Syntac, a prominent figure in the Ark community with over 1.9 million subscribers. His comment, which has garnered significant attention, is currently the most prominent response to the Ark: Aquatica trailer on the platform.

The broader viewer feedback has been overwhelmingly negative, with many describing the trailer as "pathetic" and "embarrassing." The trailer is criticized for its numerous AI-generated artifacts, such as fish that inexplicably blur in and out of existence, a grotesquely misshaped hand gripping a spear gun, a levitating octopus in front of a shipwreck that appears more like a rock than a vessel, and human feet morphing into flippers, among other visual inconsistencies.

Witness the surreal transformation of a man's foot into a fin.

In response, the original developers of Ark: Survival Evolved, Studio Wildcard, have swiftly distanced themselves from the controversy. They clarified on social media that Ark: Aquatica is not being developed by their team. They reaffirmed their commitment to the ongoing projects, stating, “Studio Wildcard remains entirely dedicated to the production of Ark: Survival Ascended & Ark 2, and we’re excited to bring Ark: Lost Colony to you later this year!”

The future of Ark 2 has been a topic of concern among fans, especially after missing its previously planned late 2024 release window. However, Studio Wildcard confirmed this week that development on the dinosaur survival sequel is continuing. They also announced Ark: Lost Colony, a new expansion for Ark: Survival Ascended that will serve as a precursor to the sequel.

Adding to the trailer's notability, Ark: The Animated Series star Michelle Yeoh reprises her role, bringing a familiar face to the contentious promotional material.