Developer Hotta Studio has responded to the growing backlash surrounding alleged AI-generated assets in Neverness to Everness, confirming that some environmental materials in the game were created using AI-assisted tools.
In a statement shared with the community on X, the NTE team emphasized that the game is still “built on human creativity,” clarifying that the characters, worldbuilding, and narrative content are all created by artists, writers, and designers at the studio.
The statement came after players on social media flagged several promotional assets and in-game visuals that appeared to contain signs commonly associated with generative AI artwork. The controversy quickly gained traction online, with fans questioning the studio’s stance on AI-generated content and its use in a project heavily marketed around its stylish anime-inspired presentation.
“AI-assisted tools were used only on a small number of background and environmental assets, not on the characters or stories that define this game,” the statement said.
The developers also confirmed they are already reviewing and reworking two specific assets that were criticized by players, Clear Skies in Summer and Pink Paws Heist. While some players appreciated the transparency, others continued to criticize the use of AI-generated materials in any capacity, especially in a game that heavily relies on visual identity and stylized art direction.
AI-generated content remains a divisive topic across the gaming industry, particularly among artists and players concerned about originality, creative labor, and ethical sourcing of training data. Several studios and publishers have faced similar scrutiny over the past year as AI-assisted workflows or using them as placeholders have become increasingly common in development pipelines.
Despite the backlash, Neverness to Everness has continued to see a strong reception from players, with its generous free pulls, urban fantasy setting, driving mechanics, and anime-inspired aesthetic helping it maintain strong interest within the community.
