Overwatch’s new ‘AI slop’ Stellar Blade collab has the community split in multiple ways
Overwatch’s next collaboration appears to be with Stellar Blade, under the name “Eve Protocol”, prompting mixed reactions from players. The debate matters because it touches on criticism of artificial intelligence, the sexualised reputation of Stellar Blade, and recurring disagreements over how guest characters are represented in Overwatch.
The collaboration was announced through Stellar Blade’s official channels and the Korean Overwatch account, with no confirmation that it will be released beyond Korea. Some players objected to Shift Up’s AI-generated music video, while others questioned how Stellar Blade characters might be matched to Overwatch heroes. The article notes that these collaborations use inspired costumes rather than direct, one-to-one character recreations.
In short
- Overwatch’s next collaboration appears to feature Stellar Blade.
- Players are divided over AI, character designs and sexualisation.
- It is unclear whether the collaboration will launch outside Korea.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters can see the collaboration as a playful way to bring two popular games together and give players distinctive new cosmetics. They may also argue that inspired costumes let Overwatch reinterpret Stellar Blade’s style without turning its heroes into direct copies, and that using AI in a promotional music video does not by itself settle the value of the collaboration.
The case against
Critics can reasonably object that partnering with a studio whose AI-generated music video they oppose gives that work additional visibility, even if the collaboration is separate from it. They may also worry that Stellar Blade’s sexualised image will shape how Overwatch’s heroes are presented, or that cosmetic reinterpretations will feel like a poor fit for the characters.