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Hotta Studio Admits Limited AI Use in Neverness to Everness, Pledges Reworks

The studio’s promise to replace flagged backgrounds signals damage to creator trust.

Overview

  • Hotta Studio said Thursday it used AI-assisted tools on a small number of background and environmental assets and will rework two items titled Clear Skies in Summer and Pink Paws Heist.
  • The developer stressed that characters and story content were created by human artists and described the project as built on human creativity.
  • Players had compiled side-by-side posts and a subreddit megathread pointing to suspected AI-made art and videos, including a billboard image that closely resembles Weathering with You.
  • Creators pulled back from promotion as the allegations spread, with VTuber Ironmouse canceling a sponsorship after saying she was assured there was no AI, and VTuber Shylily and voice actor Meggie-Elise pausing support.
  • One criticized heist-scene animation was removed and now plays audio over TV static in-game, and industry coverage warns that creator withdrawals could blunt launch momentum for a gacha title that depends on influencer reach.