Shift Up, the developer behind the Stellar Blade series, is facing significant criticism on social media following the release of an AI-generated music video for its upcoming title, Stellar Blade: Blood Rain.
The video for the song “Wanna Be in Love,” featuring the game's new protagonist, Evie, was produced by the studio’s internal AI Labs division. Viewers have pointed to prominent visual inaccuracies and “uncanny valley” facial expressions as evidence of generative AI usage. The backlash intensified after the studio's own fan community account, Shift Up World, publicly questioned the decision, stating, “Where's the artistry from a company founded and run by artists?”
Concerns Over AI in Marketing
This incident follows earlier community concerns regarding the reveal trailer for Stellar Blade: Blood Rain, which was also alleged to contain AI-generated assets. While studio head Hyung-Tae Kim—an established artist and illustrator—encouraged followers on social media to share their thoughts on the video, the response from the community has been largely negative regarding the company’s reliance on generative technology.
Quick Facts
- Game Title: Stellar Blade: Blood Rain
- Platform: PlayStation 5
- Core Issue: Use of generative AI in official promotional assets, including a music video and reveal trailer.
- Developer: Shift Up
Despite the criticism surrounding the visuals, some feedback has noted that the song itself is well-received, and the game's urban aesthetic—inspired by locations such as Hong Kong and Chongqing—remains a point of interest for fans of the original 2024 title.