ARK: Survival Evolved DLC Sparks Controversy With AI-Generated Trailer

In commemoration for the 10 year anniversary of ARK: Survival Evolved, Snail Games revealed its development for the new non-canonical expansion, Ark: Aquatica. It features an underwater setting with 95% of gameplay taking place beneath the surface.

However, recent speculation had arisen due to controversy regarding the game causing an uproar among fans and survival game enjoyers alike. The recent trailer included generative AI after a brief ten seconds of rough gameplay. Although the game may still be in development, it does not leave a good, lasting impression to the public. This later resulted in immediate backlash under the official YouTube video with comments yelling about how lazy the developers are or how they should be ashamed for releasing something so disgusting.

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In light of the controversy, the ARK series’ original creator Studio Wilcard had begun to distance themselves with Snail Games and stated they had no active participation with the expansion of the game. A post from Studio Wildcard’s X account stated so, referring that for better updates on where the game will go, all attention should go to Snail Games instead.

ARK: Aquatica is being developed by @SnailGamesUSA Colorado, please follow them for more updates.
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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!

— ARK: Survival Ascended (@survivetheark) March 18, 2025

Unlike the separate DLC expansion for ARK: Lost Colony, which uses real hand drawn animation by real artists and designers, ARK: Aquatica has taken a different approach with its AI-generated trailer. While it aims to highlight the studio’s vision for an underwater adventure, the response from fans suggests that this effort has yet to fully resonate with the expectations set for this beloved franchise.

Despite the less kinder feedback from the public, there may be more to show for this expansion outside the trailer. The DLC is set to release in June 2025 alongside other unannounced activities regarding the anniversary.

More information regarding Snail Games can be found on their official website.