The latest trailer for the Ark: Aquatica expansion has caused a mix of confusion and disappointment in the community. What was intended as an exciting announcement of a new underwater adventure ended in a visual disaster that crosses the boundaries of good taste. The trailer, which was almost entirely generated with artificial intelligence (AI), has shocked both fans and critics.
Criticism of AI Generation
The trailer begins with a few seconds of actual gameplay, only to abruptly transition into a bizarre mix of AI-generated images. These sequences are characterized by an unnatural quality reminiscent of the typical errors found in AI-generated videos: fish disappear and reappear, human limbs deform into impossible positions, and an octopus materializes out of nowhere with only six arms. These visual inconsistencies have led to a flood of negative comments, describing the trailer as “disgusting” and “pathetic.”
Community Reaction
The reactions on social media and platforms like YouTube are clear: the trailer has received overwhelmingly negative feedback. Prominent Ark content creators have publicly distanced themselves, calling the trailer “abhorrent.” The community feels betrayed by Snail Games, as the trailer neither accurately represents the content nor the atmosphere of the game.
Studio Wildcard’s Distancing
Interestingly, Studio Wildcard, the original developer of Ark: Survival Evolved, immediately distanced itself from the project. This distancing highlights the dissatisfaction within the Ark community and raises questions about the future of the franchise.
Conclusion
The trailer for Ark: Aquatica is an example of how not to use AI in the gaming industry. The decision to generate almost the entire trailer with AI not only looks cheap but also disrespectful to fans who expect real content, not just synthetic images. Snail Games should take the criticism to heart and strive to meet the community’s expectations, rather than relying on cheap marketing tricks. The future of Ark: Aquatica now depends on whether Snail Games can learn from this misstep.