The gaming community is currently facing a massive backlash regarding the use of generative AI in recent releases. While Neverness to Everness initially appears to be a dream project for gacha enthusiasts—boasting cute character models, a supernatural open world, and highly detailed drivable cars—the excitement has quickly soured due to growing controversy.

Controversy Erupts Over Generative AI Assets

Just days after its launch, players began identifying several assets suspected of being created using generative AI. These discoveries have sparked significant outrage among the creative community. The backlash is so severe that popular streamers and even a participating voice actor have publicly stated they refuse to work with Neverness to Everness or its developer, Hotta Studio.

The evidence being cited by the community includes several notable "glitches" in visual consistency:

  • Character Artifacting: Players have pointed out significant "artifacting"—unintended distortions typical of AI generation. In one instance, a character's outfit design appears to morph or change entirely when a hand momentarily obscures a portion of the clothing.
  • AI-Filtered Billboards: Some players claim that in-game billboards featuring scenes from the anime Weathering With You appear to have been processed through an AI filter or fed into a generative tool.
  • In-Game Short Films: There are further allegations regarding an 18-minute "generative AI anime short film" playing within the game's theater.

The Impact on Streamers and Voice Actors

The refusal of high-profile creators to engage with Neverness to Everness highlights a growing movement within the industry. For many streamers and voice actors, the use of generative AI represents a direct threat to the livelihood of human artists and animators.

As players continue to scrutinize every corner of the game for more evidence, the reputation of Hotta Studio remains under intense pressure. The debate over whether these assets are mere technical errors or deliberate AI-generated content continues to divide the community and impact the game's early momentum.