Shift Up, the South Korean game developer behind Stellar Blade, has been unusually open about its interest in generative AI, embracing it as a necessary tool for modern game development to compete in big markets like the U.S. and China.
Shift Up’s enthusiasm might end up working against them when its use could doom its sequel, resulting in a product that can’t match the original’s success.
Stellar Blade, one of PlayStation’s surprise hits, was an action-packed game with a deliberately attractive female lead. It sold over 6.1 million copies for both PS5 and PC, making it one of the biggest hack-and-slash titles in the genre.
Originally inspired by the classic sci-fi manga, Battle Angel Alita, Stellar Blade had a strong creative foundation from the start. It was designed to be a cool action game with explosive combat, attractive characters, and a post-apocalyptic world where humanity teeters toward extinction, driven by a rogue AI as its antagonist.
Stellar Blade wasn’t the revolutionary kind, per se, but it was a game that was shaped by the games that came before it. Bayonetta and NieR: Automata were some of its strong influences, and borrowing from that still felt deliberate in its execution.
Built on the talent and passion of its talented pool of artists and developers, Stellar Blade’s strongest appeal (apart from Eve) was its art direction and intentional design about a world doomed by humanity’s hubris. Embracing gen-AI could risk that strength into a liability, especially given the public’s already negative perception about it.
While the intent of “one person performing the work of 100 people” sounds noble, the process of speeding things up that developers would rather generate than create could result in a sequel that feels... automated. For a game that critiques AI dominance in its narrative, it only results in irony.
It could also reflect Eve’s design, a character modeled after Korean model Shin Jae-un’s features. There was a clear intent in picking her as the right choice for a body model, and that didn’t take any shortcuts during its creative process. Eve was the centerpiece of Stellar Blade’s success, and if the sequel were to rely on generating more characters with a distinct lack of originality, it might not live up to player expectations.
This also applies to Eve’s outfits, which many consider to be one of the game’s best features. Customizing Eve like a Barbie doll was enjoyed by many, regardless of gender. No AI would come up with generating a fluffy bear suit for a protagonist that’s meant to be appealing.
In a sequel with an already questionable foundation, new outfits would no longer be as creative as they once were. Relying too much on generative AI only invites drama from existing artists' designs. This is a huge risk.
While the original Stellar Blade was never confirmed to use generative AI in its development, Shift Up’s recent embrace of the technology raises concerns about its sequel’s creative ownership. Stellar Blade 2’s designs could closely resemble the work of other artists, and the end result sparks backlash,especially when artists find their designs or likeness are used without consent.
READ: Stellar Blade's Missing Link: Why Tachy & Raven Deserved Story DLC
Generative AI, regardless of intent, could damage its consumers' trust. Kim Hyung-tae’s recent statement alone sparked immediate backlash from fans who eagerly anticipated its sequel. Finding out that Eve’s next story might take questionable shortcuts in development was not something they wanted to hear.
Many would rather wait longer for a full game made with love and care than something crafted with potentially stolen designs and blueprints from a generative AI machine.
Shift Up will need to reconsider taking that risk; otherwise, its sequel could be doomed before it even launches.
For more like this, stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com, the best website for gaming features and news.