Players have accused NTE of using generative AI to replicate popular anime scenes, and other content within the game.
The just-launched supernatural gacha Neverness to Everness (NTE) is currently under fire over suspected AI-generated content, prompting many dissatisfied users to dismiss the game just days after its 29 April launch.
Clips from NTE have circulated online, as players spotted what appears to be “blatant” AI-generated content, seemingly prevalent in atmospheric elements such as wall art and miscellaneous background details.
Complaints have also poured in regarding NTE’s bland starting character lineup, which lacks unique characteristics and features designs reminiscent of other gacha characters–further fueling suspicions of AI usage in character design.
What alleged generative AI art is in NTE?
Alleged AI-generated content includes a billboard video that appears to closely mimic scenes from the anime Weathering with You–though some argue it could be an intentional reference to the anime.
One of the most widely shared examples is a TV clip featuring an old-timey style animation, in which players have identified inconsistencies, with certain parts appearing AI-generated.
More images from bus stops and billboard ads have also been shared online, with users pointing to notable blending, a dislocated arm, and more as further evidence of ostensible AI use.
A fighting cutscene has also been circulated online, with some criticising its action choreography, arguing that it is scattered with inconsistencies throughout.
As mentioned earlier, the starting character lineup has also been torched by the gacha community, who have described the character designs as basic and overly similar to those in other games. Take Skia, for example, who draws resemblances to Lycaon from Zenless Zone Zero, while JiuYuan has drawn comparisons to Herta from Honkai: Star Rail.
One of the top comments on a Reddit thread agrees with the Gen AI speculation, pointing back to NTE’s closed beta period when players allegedly uncovered datamined AI-generated character images: “They’re undeniably using AI to generate their character concepts, then fixing the issues manually later,” CulturalGolf1135 stated.
“NTE and using AI? Fork found in the kitchen. There's a reason their character designs look like indie VTuber rejects,” user Abishinzu added below.
“The male characters look like you asked GPT to generate an average gacha male character set in an urban fantasy setting,” another commenter, Voeker, stated.
What is Hotta Studio’s stance on generative AI?
With accusations that NTE features widespread AI-generated content, many have referred back to Hotta Studio’s previous statements on the matter.
In an interview prior to launch, executive director and producer Yang Lei admitted that the game does use AI, mainly for “atmospheric renderings” and “trial and error”, and stated that the company would “never use AI for the game’s core assets and character portraits”.
It appears that, like many other major companies, Hotta Studio plans to use generative AI for placeholder materials, and gradually replace them with human-made assets over time–something Hotta has previously done in its troubled Tower of Fantasy in 2024.
However, it remains to be seen how Hotta will respond amid the newly-surfaced backlash.
