Fan Outrage Ignited by ‘Survival Evolved’ AI Trailer
AI in Gaming: The Controversial Trailer for ARK: Aquatica
Introduction to AI in Game Development
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in gaming has become a hot topic, with game publishers and developers exploring various applications. While many AI implementations aim to enhance internal processes, some projects spark controversy. A recent example of this is the debut of a highly AI-generated trailer for the upcoming expansion of ARK: Survival Evolved, called ARK: Aquatica.
The AI-Generated Trailer
The trailer for Aquatica has raised eyebrows, primarily because approximately 98% of it is generated by AI. This includes elements such as:
- Voice Acting: AI-generated voiceovers replace human actors.
- Scriptwriting: Portions of the script may also be AI-created.
- Video Footage: Nearly all visuals consist of AI-generated graphics.
The content of the trailer feels unsettling to many viewers. For instance, there are awkward moments, like a character whose feet transform into fin-like appendages while swimming. This phenomenon is a common issue seen in AI-generated videos, which often struggle with accuracy in longer clips, limiting effectiveness to short sequences.
Audience Reception
Viewer reactions to the trailer have been overwhelmingly negative. The trailer’s like-to-dislike ratio on YouTube highlights this backlash, showcasing around 500 likes compared to 21,000 dislikes. Comment sections are filled with critical remarks, expressing sentiments such as, “You should be ashamed of yourself,” and “How do I delete someone else’s video?” Despite efforts to delist the trailer, it remains publicly accessible on the Snail Games YouTube channel.
The Business Motivation Behind AI
The primary motive behind employing AI for projects like this trailer appears to be cost-effectiveness. By utilizing AI technology, companies can significantly reduce expenses associated with engaging professional artists, voice actors, and writers. Instead of investing substantial time and resources in creating quality cinematic trailers, developers can swiftly generate content through AI tools and video prompts.
Distancing from the Project
There seems to be a divide between Snail Games, the publisher responsible for releasing the trailer, and Wildcard, the developer of ARK: Survival Evolved. Wildcard took to Twitter soon after the controversy erupted to clarify that they are focusing on different projects, namely Survival Ascended and ARK 2. This tweet seemed intended to separate themselves from the public outcry surrounding the trailer for Aquatica.
What’s Next for AI in Gaming?
The backlash from the trailer serves as a cautionary tale for other studios considering similar approaches. In the gaming industry, the use of AI is expected to grow, whether stakeholders agree with it or not. We have seen other occurrences of controversial AI applications in media, such as AI-generated intros in TV shows, which continue to receive criticism.
As technology evolves, the challenge will be to balance innovation with quality and audience expectations. While AI may offer practical solutions for content creation, the entertainment sector must ensure that it does not compromise the artistry and emotional connection audiences seek in their gaming experiences.
