Summary
- The ARK: Survival Evolved Aquatica DLC team did not know about the controversial AI-generated trailer.
- Fans were surprised by the DLC reveal and criticized the heavy use of AI in the trailer.
- Studio Snail Games clarifies they do not use generative AI tools in development, assuring fans of the game’s integrity.
The team behind ARK: Survival Evolved‘s upcoming Aquatica DLC claims it did not know about the controversial AI-generated trailer. Aquatica‘s teaser came as a surprise to many fans, not only because they weren’t expecting a DLC reveal, but also because the video appeared to use AI-generated assets. Naturally, it didn’t take long for the Ark: Survival Evolved expansion to face significant backlash because of it.
Some fans said the use of AI in the ARK: Aquatica trailer was tone-deaf amid growing controversy around AI in gaming. Others pointed out how the apparent AI content significantly outweighed actual in-game footage, casting doubt over the DLC’s current state of development or quality. Disappointed fans may have some relief, though, as the dev team apparently wasn’t even aware of the trailer before it came out.
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Matt Kohl, Lead Developer of Aquatica studio Snail Colorado, spoke about the trailer with Pocket Tactics, saying the devs didn’t know the marketing team was using AI to make a trailer for the DLC. According to Kohl, marketers generated the AI footage using still images from the game. He went on to clarify that Snail Games does not use any generative AI tools in development, so the trailer’s use of the technology doesn’t reflect the actual product. It should come as a relief to fans that one of the survival games with the most unique biomes achieves those environments without controversial shortcuts.
ARK: Aquatica Team Assures Fans That Devs Don’t Use AI in Development
AI in gaming continues to be a contentious topic. Some studios have not shied away from using the technology, but fans have largely taken a stand against it, citing laziness and its impact on developer and artist jobs. Baldur’s Gate 3 actor Samantha Béart has said that CEOs use AI to save money but risk their own reputation in doing so. Given the backlash against the ARK: Aquatica trailer, it seems like Béart may be onto something with that statement.
While Snail Games may not actually use any generative AI in development, other companies have embraced the technology. In February, Activision confirmed it used AI for some Call of Duty assets when Steam began requiring devs to disclose their use of AI in game descriptions. Sony has begun testing AI chatbot versions of some of its characters, too, drawing criticism from fans and actors alike.
In light of these responses, it’s unclear how AI in gaming will go from here. Some studios and many gamers have stood firmly against it, while others are ambivalent and some larger companies seem insistent on using the technology to streamline development.
- Released
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August 29, 2017
- ESRB
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T for Teen: Blood, Crude Humor, Use of Alcohol, Violence