‘NTE Is Built on Human Creativity’: Dev to Rework Generative AI Assets in PS5 Open World
Neverness to Everness (NTE), a PS5 open world gacha game from Chinese developer Hotta Studio, has faced criticism following the discovery of generative AI assets within the game, contradicting the studio’s assertion that it is “built on human creativity.”
Fans identified AI-generated art assets, particularly on advertising hoardings in Heathereau, the game’s main city. The discovery was enabled by visible artifacts typical of generative AI output. This revelation sparked backlash from the community over the use of AI-generated content without clear disclosure.
The controversy escalated when prominent VTuber Ironmouse terminated her streaming contract with NTE, claiming she had been misled about the game’s use of generative AI technology. In response, Hotta Studio released a statement defending the game, asserting that “Neverness to Everness is built on human creativity” and that the game’s “characters, stories, and world” are “the work of artists, writers, and design[ers].”
The incident highlights industry tensions surrounding generative AI in game development, particularly regarding disclosure to both players and content creators. As NTE navigates the post-launch controversy, the studio’s handling of the AI asset discovery remains a focal point of discussion within the gaming community.