Shift Up CTO Clarifies Stellar Blade Developer's Stance on AI After Blood Rain Music Video Controversy

Shift Up’s chief technology officer, DongKi Lee, has provided further clarification on the developer’s stance on AI following the backlash over the Stellar Blade: Blood Rain music video. The video, set to an upbeat pop song, featured AI-generated images and footage of the game’s main character, Evie. Critics argued that Shift Up was relying too heavily on AI instead of its human employees.

In a September 2 interview, Lee explained that the company’s intention was to showcase more of Evie’s world through the AI music video, emphasizing that it was an experimental piece and not a reflection of the official game. Lee acknowledged the concerns raised by fans and players, expressing the company’s commitment to maintaining a clear distinction between game-related content and experimental content like the video.

Lee stressed that AI should be used as a tool to enhance the development process and support the creativity, know-how, and skills of the developers. He emphasized that AI should not replace human talent but rather serve as a means to create a high-quality game.

Despite Lee’s clarifications, players have remained skeptical, arguing that Shift Up could have achieved the same results with its talented employees. Some suggested that a trailer or a traditional music video would have been a more appropriate way to showcase the beauty of the game. The use of AI in game development continues to be a contentious issue, with other titles, such as Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, also facing scrutiny over the incorporation of AI in their creation.