Naughty Dog's concept artist sparked a heated online debate after sharing artwork of Stellar Blade's protagonist, Eva, on X. The artwork depicts a significantly different, more masculine version of Eva than the one seen in the game, prompting widespread criticism. Many fans deemed the new design unattractive, ugly, and even repulsive, with some suggesting the design made Eva appear "awakened."
This incident follows recent controversy surrounding Naughty Dog's inclusion of explicit DEI content in their upcoming game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. The game's trailer holds the record for most dislikes of a video game trailer this year, indicating significant negative player reaction.
The original design of Eva in Stellar Blade, created by Shift Up, was a major factor in the game's success, with her beauty earning widespread praise and contributing significantly to the game's popularity. The stark contrast between the original and the newly-released concept art has highlighted the significant difference in public perception.
