NTE: Neverness to Everness Developers Admit AI Used in Game

Hotta Studio and Perfect World Games have acknowledged using generative artificial intelligence (genAI) in the production of *NTE: Neverness to Everness*, contradicting earlier statements to creators. The developers confirmed that AI was limited to background and environmental assets, not characters or core storytelling, and are reviewing and reworking two specific videos—*Clear Skies in Summer* and *Pink Paws Heist*—flagged by players for AI-generated content. The admission came after players discovered AI-assisted visuals in the game, which launched on PS5, PC, and mobile devices. In a public statement, the team described the AI usage as minimal and framed player feedback as constructive, emphasizing that human creativity remains central to the game’s characters and narratives. However, they did not clarify whether the reworked assets would be entirely recreated by human artists. Voice actress Meggie-Elise and VTuber Ironmouse publicly criticized the studio for misleading them about AI usage. Ironmouse, who had committed to avoiding games with AI after the revelation, accused Hotta Studio and Perfect World Games of lying during discussions about a paid stream. Meggie-Elise expressed dissatisfaction with the situation and threatened to leave the project unless the AI-generated content was removed. The controversy highlights growing concerns among creators and audiences about transparency in AI-assisted game development. While the developers have taken steps to address the issue, the lack of a full apology or concrete plans for human-led rework has left some stakeholders unsatisfied. The game’s availability across multiple platforms, including PS5, PC, and mobile, adds to the scope of the backlash.