Shift Up CEO Hyung-Tae Kim has addressed public criticism following the release of a music video for the upcoming Stellar Blade: Blood Rain. The video, featuring the new protagonist Evie, drew sharp backlash from fans who accused the studio of relying on “AI slop” for its promotional content.
Developer Response
In response to questions regarding the lack of traditional artistry, Kim stated that Evie was “created from head to toe” by the studio’s artists and modelers over a year of dedicated work. He clarified that the generative AI used in the music video is not generating the character design itself, but is instead “rendering and presenting the character based on the data, designs, and craftsmanship our team created.”
Kim encouraged followers to view the promotional work with this distinction in mind. However, critics remain skeptical, noting that the generative AI processes involved in motion rendering often utilize millions of uncredited reference points, fueling ongoing concerns about the studio’s reliance on such technology.
Context of the Controversy
The music video for “Wanna Be in Love” is not the first instance where Shift Up’s use of generative AI has sparked debate. The reveal trailer for Stellar Blade: Blood Rain was also criticized for containing assets perceived to be created via generative tools. While the music and the game's urban visual identity have received some praise, the implementation of AI-generated elements has become a point of significant friction for the community.