Hotta Studio
Neverness to Everness devs Hotta Studio has responded to the growing controversy after players accused the game of using AI-generated assets.
The backlash exploded online after fans spotted several suspicious areas in-game and in promotional material.
One viral comparison claimed a scene closely mirrored imagery from Makoto Shinkai’s anime film Weathering with You, while another highlighted an in-game TV advertisement that appeared to have some odd frame distortions.
The controversy grew even larger after VTuber Ironmouse publicly cut ties with the game, claiming she had been assured there was “no AI anywhere” in the project before she accepted a sponsorship.
Now, the NTE devs have issued a public statement addressing the backlash and confirming some AI-assisted tools were used during development.
NTE devs reveal AI use
“Thank you for the feedback. It matters to us. Neverness to Everness is built on human creativity. The characters, stories, and world you experience are the work of artists, writers, and designers,” reads the statement, before revealing that AI was used during some “small” parts of development.
“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,” continues the post.
“We’re already reviewing and reworking the flagged assets: ‘Clear Skies in Summer’ and ‘Pink Paws Heist’. Your feedback shapes this game, so please keep it coming. We’re listening, and we’re committed to delivering the quality you deserve.”
Dear Appraisers,
Thank you for the feedback. It matters to us.
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…
— NTE Global (@NTE_GL) May 7, 2026
The wider debate around AI use in games, anime, and manga has become increasingly heated. Back in January, an AI-generated manga climbed to the top of the popularity rankings on one of Japan’s largest e-book stores.
Does Neverness to Everness use AI?
Borderlands boss Randy Pitchford defends use of AI after backlash over ChatGPT “selfie”
Meanwhile, a game studio made headlines last year after it forced applicants to draw in front of them to avoid AI.
