Aquatica Trailer Faces Intense Criticism

Fans are expressing their dissatisfaction with the Ark: Aquatica DLC trailer, suspecting that the footage might be AI-generated. This controversy has engulfed Snail Games, which is now facing significant backlash. The silence from Snail Games regarding this issue is only adding fuel to the fire, as concerns rise about the direction of the Ark franchise.

The release of the trailer for Ark: Survival Evolved’s upcoming DLC, Aquatica, has stirred up a storm of negativity from the community. This criticism caught Snail Games off guard, leading to some posts about the new DLC being removed or hidden. The developers seem to be trying to deflect by focusing on unrelated projects, such as Bellwright, but fans have made their grievances clear across social media.

It was on March 18 when the Ark social media page announced that Snail Games would take the reins on developing Ark: Survival Evolved’s Aquatica DLC. This shift was puzzling for fans, considering Studio Wildcard usually spearheads mainline Ark titles. While this transition left many disappointed, hopes were kept alive with a teaser for Ark: Lost Colony and the reassurance that Ark: Survival Ascended and Ark 2 remain in Wildcard’s capable hands. However, the trailer for Ark: Aquatica didn’t land well, diminishing the anticipation for the new offering.

The backlash against the Ark: Aquatica trailer stems from suspicions that it features AI-generated content. Enthusiastic discussions on social media reflect the growing unhappiness surrounding AI’s role in gaming. Although the Aquatica DLC promises intriguing new mechanics and creatures, the excitement fizzled when gamers viewed the creative direction showcased in the preview. The GDC 2025 reveal introduces a brief glimpse at gameplay before transitioning into sequences suspected to be created by AI. Despite the growing consensus among fans, Snail Games has yet to provide an explanation.

As players continue exploring the world of Ark, the Aquatica trailer attempts to lure them into a new underwater realm. Set against the backdrop of AI-visuals, viewers find themselves exploring vast reefs and encountering an octopus that seems to defy gravity by floating momentarily. This presentation leaves fans frustrated, feeling the visuals overshadow the actual gameplay. Many argue the trailer’s tone isn’t attuned to current gamer sentiment, where concerns over AI in creative spaces are prevalent.

The backlash has left Snail Games scrambling, resulting in the video’s removal from public view. However, the lack of any official response only heightens worries over the studio’s handling of the Ark franchise. Fans are even urging the company to pass the franchise’s reins to other developers. The situation remains tense, with the community eagerly awaiting an official word from Snail Games to address their concerns.