{
  "id": 6307275,
  "title": "Shift Up CTO Clarifies Stellar Blade Developer's Stance on AI After Blood Rain Music Video Controversy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/shift-up-cto-clarifies-stellar-blade-developers-stance-on-ai-after",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-08T18:16:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IGN",
    "slug": "ign",
    "url": "https://www.ign.com/articles/shift-up-cto-clarifies-stellar-blade-developers-stance-on-ai-after-blood-rain-music-video-controversy"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nLee 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.\n\nDespite 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.",
  "summary": "Shift Up’s chief technology officer, DongKi Lee, has clarified the developer’s stance on AI after a music video for Stellar Blade: Blood Rain sparked backlash last month.",
  "key_points": [
    "Shift Up CTO DongKi Lee clarifies developer's stance on AI after Stellar Blade controversy.",
    "AI-generated images and footage of Evie in music video intended to showcase character's world.",
    "Lee emphasizes AI as tool to enhance development, not replace human talent."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}