Hotta Studio promises to rework flagged assets with AI-generated content.
Hotta Studio, the developer behind newly-launched supernatural gacha game Neverness to Everness (NTE), has publicly responded to the viral controversy surrounding the alleged use of generative AI in its game.
The studio revealed that it is already reworking several flagged assets, likely including the artwork resembling Weathering with You. In its statement, the team assured that Neverness to Everness is a product of human creativity, with AI tools only used for “a small number of background and environmental assets”.
Neverness to Everness (NTE)
Release Date: 29 April, 2026
Platforms: Mobile platforms (Android and iOS), PC (via official site/launchers), PlayStation 5, and macOS
Developer: Hotta Studio
How did Hotta Studio respond to NTE's AI backlash?
In a brief statement posted on X/Twitter, the Neverness to Everness global account addressed the growing backlash from the gaming community.
The developers acknowledged that some AI-assisted content had been used for less significant elements, such as environmental assets–something the studio had reportedly mentioned previously in an earlier interview. But they also deny claims that major parts of the game were AI-generated.
“Neverness to Everness is built on human creativity. The characters, stories, and world you experience are the work of artists, writers, and designers. 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.”
Hotta Studio also assured players that the team is already revising the flagged content, specifically mentioning assets titled “Clear Skies in Summer” and “Pink Paws Heist”, though it wasn't specified exactly which artworks these refer to.
Many believe the statement is referring to the controversial Weathering with You-like artwork and the vintage-style television animation that circulated online.
The statement ended with Hotta welcoming further constructive criticism, “Your feedback shapes this game, so please keep it coming. We’re listening, and we’re committed to delivering the quality you deserve.”
Community mixed over Hotta’s response to AI controversy
Despite the studio being relatively quick on its feet to address the controversy, some players remain unconvinced by the response.
Several commenters questioned why Hotta is only addressing these two specific artworks, both of which are the most highlighted in the controversy. If the studio doesn’t acknowledge other lesser-talked-about AI-generated content, the commenters argue that it might be a knee-jerk reaction.
Aside from the two assets mentioned, a cutscene has been particularly dissected with AI-like elements. If true, it would heavily contradict Hotta’s statement that the generative tech was only used on “small-scale” background content.
Many are convinced that Hotta Studio is attempting to downplay the scale of its AI usage, with not only in-game content appearing suspicious to some, but also advertisements circulating on social media platforms.
That said, many players also seem happy to see Hotta addressing the situation–something they hope will result in further AI cleanup and improvements to the game.
