The gaming community is in an uproar after Snail Games USA released a trailer for a new ARK DLC that was created completely using generative AI technology. The trailer quickly became notorious not for its exciting new content, but for its numerous visual inconsistencies and bizarre animations that have left fans both confused and concerned.
Unlike previous ARK content, this DLC wasn’t developed by Studio Wildcard, the team behind the original survival game. Studio Wildcard has publicly distanced itself from the project, making it clear this is solely a Snail Games USA production.
Viewers immediately spotted several strange visual anomalies throughout the trailer. At the 0:41 mark, a swimmer character appears to have both feet and diving fins simultaneously merged together. Another scene features a character awkwardly wielding a harpoon that moves unnaturally, leading many to question the quality control process.
“This trailer really hit me across the head with a horrible notion that I would be paying $70 for something like this,” commented one viewer. Others pointed out that even the logo reveal contained visual artifacts that “wouldn’t pass any good quality gates.”
The decision to use AI-generated content for an established franchise has kicked off debates about the future of creative work in gaming. While AI tools are increasingly being adopted across various media industries, this example highlights the current limits of the technology when used without human oversight and refinement.
ARK: Survival Evolved has previously faced criticism for development issues and controversial DLC practices, but has maintained a dedicated player base thanks to its unique dinosaur-taming gameplay. This latest controversy comes as the franchise prepares for its sequel, ARK 2, which is being developed by Studio Wildcard.
Who’s Snail Games USA?
Snail Games USA, which acquired Studio Wildcard in 2015, has made several questionable business decisions in recent years, including a failed venture into the electric vehicle market. This AI-generated trailer appears to be another move that has puzzled industry observers and frustrated fans who expect higher quality from the ARK brand.
Despite the negative reaction, the ARK franchise remains popular among survival game enthusiasts. However, this serves as a cautionary tale of how cutting-edge technology without proper implementation can damage brand perception.
