Shift Up faces fan criticism over AI Blood Rain video
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Shift Up has released an official music video for “Blood Rain”, connected to Stellar Blade, which uses AI-generated imagery. Some fans have criticised the decision, arguing that it undermines the game’s artists and reflects wider concerns about generative AI being used in creative work.
The backlash focused on the video’s perceived visual quality and the choice to use AI despite Shift Up’s established art team. Critics described the release as disrespectful to artists, while the article notes that the song itself has been positively received by some viewers.
- Shift Up’s AI-made “Blood Rain” video drew fan criticism.
- Fans say it devalues the studio’s artists.
- The song itself has received some praise.
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Shift Up is a South Korean video game developer best known for Stellar Blade, an action game released in 2024. The game follows a fighter called Eve in a future shaped by conflict, and it attracted attention for its detailed character designs, combat and visual style.
“Blood Rain” is music associated with Stellar Blade, and an official video is a prominent way for a developer to promote a game beyond gameplay itself. Visuals used in such releases can matter to fans because they help define how a game and its world are presented.
Generative AI can create images or video from prompts, but its use in entertainment has led to debate about quality, authorship and the effect on creative jobs. Companies, artists and audiences are still negotiating when its use is acceptable, particularly in projects associated with work made by human artists.
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The case for
Supporters of Shift Up’s choice may argue that generative tools can be a legitimate addition to a creative workflow, especially for a music video intended to evoke an abstract, unsettling atmosphere. They may see the video as an experimental companion piece rather than a replacement for the game’s artists, and contend that commercial success should not prevent a studio from testing new production methods. On this view, the important question is whether the work is used transparently and responsibly, not whether AI is excluded outright.
The case against
Critics may argue that an official release from a successful studio carries a responsibility to invest in human creative labour, particularly when the game’s visual identity was built by skilled artists. Apparent AI artefacts can make the video feel less considered than the in-game work and may diminish the craftsmanship fans associate with Stellar Blade. They may also fear that normalising AI-generated imagery in prominent releases could reduce opportunities, recognition and bargaining power for artists across the industry.
More coverage
- Destructoid — Stellar Blade’s new AI slop music video is so awful it must be seen to be believed
- IGN — Stellar Blade: Blood Rain Dev Shift Up Releases Entirely AI-Generated K-Pop Music Video Starring Evie and Pretty Much Everyone Hates It
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Originally published by GamesRadar+ as “Stellar Blade: Blood Rain gets official music video full of AI slop, and fans aren’t happy: “It’s a slap in the face to your artists””.