The latest trailer for Ark: Survival Evolved‘s upcoming DLC, Aquatica, has sparked major controversy among fans. The video, released by Snail Games, has been accused of relying heavily on AI-generated visuals rather than showcasing genuine gameplay. This backlash has led to Snail Games unlisting the trailer and removing several related posts, but the gaming community remains vocal about its frustration.
AI Controversy Sparks Outrage
On March 18, Ark‘s official social media accounts announced that Snail Games would fully develop Aquatica instead of Studio Wildcard, which has traditionally handled Ark projects. This shift was met with skepticism, but the backlash truly erupted after the DLC’s trailer dropped. While the video does include a few seconds of actual gameplay, much of it appears to feature AI-generated scenes, such as a diver swimming through stylized underwater environments and creatures moving in an unnatural manner.
Many players argue that using AI-generated visuals in a trailer rather than actual in-game footage is misleading and out of touch with current gaming industry concerns. The controversy echoes similar debates over AI in game development, where players fear that studios are prioritizing cost-cutting measures over quality and creativity.
Snail Games’ Response or Lack Thereof
The lack of an official statement from Snail Games has only intensified the frustration. While the trailer has been unlisted, fans have continued to voice their concerns across social media, even bringing their complaints to unrelated Snail Games projects, such as Bellwright. Some players have even called for the Ark franchise to be sold to a different developer to preserve its integrity. With Ark 2 and Lost Colony still in development under Studio Wildcard, players are hopeful that the mainline series will remain unaffected. However, the situation with Aquatica raises questions about the future of DLC content under Snail Games’ leadership.
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