Shift Up has unveiled a new look at Evie in the upcoming sequel Stellar Blade: Blood Rain by releasing an original music video featuring the new protagonist as a K-pop idol. The promotional video, however, has quickly divided the fans over its use of AI-generated visuals.
Titled “Wanna be in LOVE” feat. EVIE, the music video presents the new Stellar Blade main character as a K-pop idol performing an original song ahead of the expansion’s release.
The video was also shared by Shift Up CEO Kim Hyung Tae on X, with fans sharing their thoughts on the usage of AI.
“Wanna be in LOVE” feat. EVIE
— Kim Hyung Tae, 김형태, キム・ヒョンテ (@jamm3rd) July 31, 2026
from Stellar Blade : BLOODRAIN official original Song MUSIC VIDEO 4K💗#StellarBlade #BLOODRAIN #Shiftup #EVIE #OST #kpop #Idol #Enjoy pic.twitter.com/C9zU1YN4wz
Fans criticize the AI visuals in Stellar Blade: Blood Rain Evie music video
In Shift Up’s official YouTube channel, it has been explicitly stated that the Stellar Blade: Blood Rain music video was “made with AI” and that “sounds or visuals were altered or fully generated” using artificial intelligence.
Several players noticed inconsistent facial expressions and animation effects that are usually associated with AI-generated content. Some of them expressed disappointment, saying they would have preferred a fully hand-animated music video that matched the visual quality of Stellar Blade.
“It’s sad because I know y’all are perfectly capable of something better than this,” one X user said.
I don't mind generative slop as much when it's unofficial material but this is not it, man. It's sad because I know y'all are perfectly capable of something better than this.
— Announ (@announ666) July 31, 2026
So, the latest, not-so-stellar "Wanna Be in LOVE" MV was produced using game assets and AI-assisted by ShiftUp A.I. Labs, a department that has been incubating for quite some time now.
— Stellar Blade | NIKKE | Destiny Child | 🍑✨ (@ShiftUpWorld) July 31, 2026
And this video was a clear showcase of what they can create. Uninspiring, generic, syntethic… pic.twitter.com/vmsOAUPuj8
Others argued that regardless of the production method, the song itself and Evie’s design remained highlights of the release.
“This was an unexpected, but fun video. And the song is pretty good. This MV is giving us an early look at some parts of the town from the upcoming sequel,” one fan said.
this was an unexpected, but fun video. And the song is pretty good. This MV is giving us an early look at some parts of the town from the upcoming sequel.
— david caine (@dcglider0153) July 31, 2026
The debate has once again shown the growing divide among gaming fans over the use of AI in marketing materials and creative content.
Shift Up appears to embrace AI-powered production
The promotional campaign suggests Shift Up is willing to experiment with emerging creative technologies including AI. Instead of releasing a traditional character trailer, the studio introduced Evie through a standalone original song and stylized music video that resembles a real-world K-pop debut.
Beyond the discussion surrounding AI, the video also serves as an introduction to Evie herself before players meet her in Stellar Blade: Blood Rain. Rather than revealing gameplay or story details, “Wanna be in LOVE” presents Evie through a performance, giving fans a glimpse of her style and personality (she was even shown eating the popular Korean food Buldak).
The original song also helps establish her identity outside the game’s main narrative, potentially making the character more memorable before the expansion launches.
While the creative direction has proven controversial, it has also ensured that Evie’s debut and Stellar Blade: Blood Rain in general will gain attention.
A different marketing direction for Stellar Blade: Blood Rain
The release of an original music video also opens new promotional opportunities for Stellar Blade: Blood Rain. With Evie showcased as a K-pop idol, Shift Up can continue building anticipation through music releases, social media campaigns, and character-focused content beyond traditional trailers.
This approach can help Shift Up keep the fans engaged while expanding the Stellar Blade universe into entertainment formats that appeal to both gamers and K-pop audiences. Whether fans embrace or reject the AI-supported presentation, the campaign has succeeded in generating discussion ahead of Stellar Blade: Blood Rain.
With Evie’s music video now online, attention will now shift toward how the character fits into the expansion when it officially arrives.
