NTE Accused of Using Generative AI to Replicate Anime Scenes, Players Demand Answers

Key facts

• NTE launched on 29 April 2025.
• Players allege AI-generated content includes a billboard mimicking 'Weathering with You'.
• A TV clip shows an old-timey animation with inconsistencies.
• Character Skia resembles Lycaon from Zenless Zone Zero; JiuYuan resembles Herta from Honkai: Star Rail.
• Hotta Studio stated in a past interview: 'Core resources and character portraits will never come into contact with AI.'
• VTuber Ironmouse cancelled a PR stream for NTE amid the controversy.
• Datamined AI-generated character images were allegedly found during the closed beta.
• Reddit user CulturalGolf1135 said: 'They’re undeniably using AI to generate their character concepts.'

Launch Day Backlash Over Suspected AI Art

The supernatural gacha game Neverness to Everness (NTE), released on 29 April, has been engulfed in controversy within days of its launch. Players have accused the developer, Hotta Studio, of using generative AI to replicate popular anime scenes and create in-game assets, prompting many to dismiss the title. The allegations have spread rapidly across social media, with clips and screenshots circulating as evidence of what users call 'blatant' AI-generated content.

Specific Examples of Alleged AI Use

Among the most cited examples is a billboard video that appears to closely mimic scenes from the anime 'Weathering with You,' though some argue it could be an intentional reference. A TV clip featuring an old-timey animation has been flagged for inconsistencies, with certain parts appearing AI-generated. Additional images from bus stops and billboard ads show notable blending and a dislocated arm. A fighting cutscene has also been criticized for scattered action choreography.

Character Design Under Fire

The starting character lineup has drawn sharp criticism from the gacha community, described as basic and overly similar to existing characters. Skia, for example, resembles Lycaon from Zenless Zone Zero, while JiuYuan has been compared to Herta from Honkai: Star Rail. One Reddit user, Voeker, stated: 'The male characters look like you asked GPT to generate an average gacha male character set in an urban fantasy setting.' Another user, Abishinzu, added: 'There's a reason their character designs look like indie VTuber rejects.'

Hotta Studio's Stance on AI

Hotta Studio has not issued a direct response to the current allegations, but in a past interview, the developer stated: 'Our core resources and character portraits will never come into contact with AI. We will primarily use AI to create some atmospheric renderings to see if they convey the desired feeling – as groundwork for searching for references and in the context of numerous trials and errors.' This statement has not been updated to address the specific claims about billboards, cutscenes, or character designs.

Community Reactions and Datamining Evidence

Players have pointed to datamined AI-generated character images from NTE's closed beta period as further evidence. Reddit user CulturalGolf1135 commented: 'They’re undeniably using AI to generate their character concepts, then fixing the issues manually later.' The controversy has led VTuber Ironmouse to cancel a planned promotional stream for NTE. Meanwhile, some fans defend the developer, arguing that AI use in side quests and background scenes is acceptable.

Open Questions and Next Steps

Hotta Studio has yet to confirm or deny whether AI was used in the specific assets under scrutiny. The lack of a clear policy on AI use in game development leaves the community divided. As the debate intensifies, the developer's next communication will be critical in shaping player trust. The game's long-term success may hinge on how transparently Hotta Studio addresses these allegations.

The bottom line

• NTE launched on 29 April and immediately faced accusations of generative AI use in multiple in-game assets.
• Specific evidence includes a billboard mimicking 'Weathering with You,' a TV clip with AI inconsistencies, and character designs resembling those from other gacha games.
• Hotta Studio previously stated core resources would not involve AI but allowed AI for atmospheric renderings; no updated statement has been issued.
• VTuber Ironmouse cancelled a promotional stream due to the controversy.
• Datamined AI-generated images from the closed beta have been cited as prior evidence.
• The developer's response will be pivotal in determining community trust and the game's future.