Neverness to Everness: confusion over AI use and its impact on the game community

The open-world action RPG Neverness to Everness, developed by Hotta Studio and published by Perfect World, launched worldwide on April 28 and 29, 2026. Players take on the role of an Anomaly Hunter in a fictional near-future Japanese city, using Esper powers to fight strange phenomena. The game has a Top Critic Average of 75 on OpenCritic and has been praised for its inventive setting and appealing gameplay.

Generative AI and public reaction

Since launch, complaints have surfaced over the use of generative AI in Neverness to Everness. Players have spotted irregularities in the game, such as "artifacting" and accusations that options may have enabled AI-based assets in the game. These concerns have caused a split within the gaming community, with several popular streamers and voice actors ending their involvement with the game.

Reactions from influential figures

One notable response came from Twitch VTuber Ironmouse, who canceled her sponsorship after complaints about AI use in the game. During a livestream on May 3, 2026, she said the developers had previously promised that no generative AI would be present in the game. That prompted an angry response from the VTuber, who stressed that she did not want to continue promoting the game unless such technology was handled openly and honestly.

Voice actor Meggie-Elise, who had also worked on the game, likewise said she would no longer collaborate with the developers if the AI use was not addressed with complete transparency. This reflects a broader issue in the gaming industry when it comes to the ethics of AI-generated content.

Timeline

2026-05-06 08:09:00: Streamers and voice actors refuse to work with the popular new gacha game over concerns about generative AI.
2026-05-06 15:06:00: All active Neverness to Everness codes for May 2026 for free Beetle Coins and more.
2026-05-06 16:25:26: Ironmouse cancels sponsorship for Neverness to Everness after developers allegedly lied about the "blatant" use of generative AI.
2026-05-07 21:38:51: NTE Studio responds to AI concerns.

Player experience and gameplay

Despite the controversy, Neverness to Everness remains strong with players. The game offers an appealing mix of RPG elements, including gacha mechanics, allowing players to collect and upgrade interesting and powerful characters. Its gacha pull rates give players the chance to build their ideal team. In addition, the game has already posted impressive numbers on streaming platforms, with more than 1.5 million hours watched on Twitch within a day of launch.