https://preview.redd.it/kf0ekvwbmsgh1.png?width=2006&format=png&auto=webp&s=5c7496f2bb4d56b87599aa7d3f0a8b7b5d7f5ad4 The CDDP end screen I mentioned
So for those out of the loop, Shift Up posted what appears to be a fully genAI music video starring their new protagonist Evie yesterday. It’s pretty much slop, as most expect it would be. As a Stellar Blade fan since day one it was hard to watch at first, but the ending frame caught my attention.
We get a splash screen of “CDDP’s” approval of the music video at the tail end, indicating that this is some sort of colony-wide approved propaganda. This has some important lore implications.
CDDP is the governing force of the Colony (where we now know the game is set), and it uses propaganda to distract its citizens. What interests me is that apparently the Angels are key parts of that propaganda, where their likeness is used to support the colony’s lies. The portrayal of Evie in this video is obviously VASTLY different than the serious tomboy we see in the official teaser.
I wonder if CDDP (which may be affiliated with Mother Sphere, but who knows) has used Eve’s model in this way in the past. So, what is CDDP covering up? This may lead to the existence of the extremist/terrorist group Evie is tasked with fighting.
We all know that the director of Shift Up likes AI, but the studio CAN’T be naive enough not to read the room on the issue, especially when it comes to Western audiences. But we know they thrive off controversy.
Perhaps Gen AI is actually being used as a storytelling tool — for instance, the CDDP could be using Gen AI in-universe to make such propaganda, as Evie would likely never willingly film this. So for Shift Up, instead of using your own assets to animate the video… maybe GenAI actually produces a more authentic Gen AI video, and sells the story better.
Look, it’s possible I’m wrong about all this, high on copium, and that this is a cheap stunt. But I have a feeling Shift Up wants to be taken seriously as a studio, and this is their way of stirring controversy while furthering the medium. Nobody wants Gen AI assets to replace ones that should be made by humans.
But if the Gen AI is used to make explicitly Gen AI things… then isn’t that what the tool exists for in the first place?
https://preview.redd.it/kf0ekvwbmsgh1.png?width=2006&format=png&auto=webp&s=5c7496f2bb4d56b87599aa7d3f0a8b7b5d7f5ad4 The CDDP end screen I mentioned
Lol what
We all know that the director of Shift Up likes AI, but the studio CAN’T be naive enough not to read the room on the issue, especially when it comes to Western audiences
The simplest answer is usually the right one. The CEO is so lost in the AI sauce he doesn't understand why it's a problem.
There is no meta narrative being done here. He's just an idiot.
AI is received very differently in different parts of the world. Plus, it wasn't posted by the CEO, but the studio itself.
It's not slop. Slop is low effort. People are like mindless sheep spamming that word anytime ai is involved.
using generative AI is low effort
The mention of AI makes people straight up go wah wah.
Using AI to make things for you is by definition "low effort"
Calling AI slop is the only valid used of the word slop
Slop lover right there.
All AI is slop
Fuck AI and fuck greedy companies that use it to save money by not paying real artists.
Shift Up famously treats its artists/creatives with respect, in ways many other studios don't. I don't think this is that.
The only thing that matters at the end of the day is if the actual game is good or bad. Nobody will care about this if the game is good.
I think there is a bigger problem of a sexualized teen being the main character.
Negative pr L
They just fucking love AI and don't care what you think; there's no grand conspiracy or theory-crafting necessary
This is one heck of a cope
lol maybe
Just stop
Giving a lot of storytelling credit to them considering the first games story was the blandest telling of the Evangelion/Automata plot lines possible.
Look, man, I love Stella Blade, and I'm hyped for Blood Rain, but...let's not get crazy here.
Me too, and it could be a form of cope. But the original twitter post indicates that the video has passed "clearance," which to me indicates that there are some story elements happening here.
Ai is stolen art made by something not someone. Ai art is slop from everything humans have created but worse. Plus it’s an environmental disaster for communities
"Stolen art"... from the same studio that created the OG art? Doesn't make sense.
I don't see why they would put the Shift up crew in there if it was in game lore. And they are receiving all that negative press just for some storytelling? Doubt it. Liked the first game, I don't hate everything associated with AI, but this is unnecessary and looks bad. I'd rather have good enemy and NPC AI than AI generated assets in game. Also, looks like the mods already deleted your post. That sucks, can't discuss anything remotely controversial here.
I agree about what belongs in the game -- I also don't want AI-gen assets in there. I think the SU crew being there is some tongue-in-cheek humor. I'm just trying to introduce another angle to look at this that's apart from the mob mentality.
No, using genai to because its in your game as a plot device is still shit. Ai steals from everything and is a massive problem for both power and water. Pragmata did just fine at a genai look for things without using it. Either do it right or don’t at all. This combined with the child looking protag that they’re still trying to be sexy with has completely turned me off the game. And yes, this is massive copium
Were you really ever going to play it in the first place? These "controversies" probably won't stop most fans from playing the game.
I actually had a pretty similar theory about this. Could be?
It absolutelyis having an effect. Even in the games own sub the reveal trailer was full of people grossed out by the child protag being sexualized.