Hotta Studio and Perfect World Games have issued a formal response to growing player concerns regarding the use of generative AI in their recently launched urban fantasy RPG, Neverness to Everness. Following the game’s global debut on April 29, 2026, eagle-eyed players began circulating screenshots of background posters, storefronts, and environmental assets that appeared to bear the hallmarks of AI generation. The developers have now admitted that AI-assisted tools were indeed utilized for a “small number” of background assets, though they maintain that the core pillars of the project remain human-led.
The studio specifically identified two areas where these tools were employed: the “Clear Skies in Summer” story arc and certain assets within the Pink Paw Heist mini-game. In an effort to maintain artistic integrity and appease a vocal segment of the player base, the development team confirmed they are already in the process of reviewing and reworking these specific elements. This move suggests a commitment to replacing the contested AI renders with traditional hand-drawn or human-modeled assets in an upcoming patch.
Despite these admissions, Hotta Studio was firm in defending the design of its characters and central narrative. The official statement emphasized that the primary world-building and cast were crafted by artists and writers rather than algorithms. This distinction is critical for the studio as it attempts to position the title as a serious competitor to genre giants like Genshin Impact, which relies heavily on high-fidelity, bespoke character aesthetics to drive its commercial success.
The community remains divided on the issue. While some players have accepted the developer’s transparency, others have threatened to boycotted the title until all AI elements are purged. This friction comes at a pivotal moment for the game, which has already seen significant engagement on streaming platforms, recording over 1.5 million hours watched on Twitch within its first 24 hours. Whether this controversy hampers its long-term momentum or serves as a minor hurdle in its launch window will likely depend on the speed and quality of the promised asset replacements.
