Neverness to Everness faces AI backlash over generative assets

Neverness to Everness, the open-world RPG from Hotta Studio, has sparked controversy shortly after its global launch. Players identified suspected generative AI assets in the game, leading to public backlash and canceled promotional events.

The game launched globally on April 29 on iOS, Android, PS5, and PC. VTuber Ironmouse canceled a sponsorship stream on May 4, stating that the developer had assured her team that the game contained no AI. English voice actor Meggie-Elise publicly accused the game of using AI and being dishonest about it.

Hotta Studio had previously stated in a pre-launch interview that "our core assets and character portraits will never [touch AI]." However, the studio acknowledged that AI tools were used in early development. It remains unclear whether the flagged assets fall within the studio's definition of AI use, as the developer has not responded publicly to clarify.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in the gaming industry around the use of generative AI in art assets. Players and content creators are increasingly scrutinizing developer claims about AI usage, and this incident may influence how studios communicate their development processes in the future.

Dexerto.com and Gamingonphone.com reported on the backlash. Hotta Studio has not yet issued a public response to clarify which assets are considered AI-generated or to address the concerns raised by Ironmouse and Meggie-Elise.