Stellar Blade Designer Blasted Over Alleged Character Downgrade

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 described the new design as unattractive, ugly, and even repulsive, with some suggesting it portrays an "awakened" version of the character.

This controversy follows recent criticism of Naughty Dog for incorporating DEI elements into their upcoming game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. The trailer for Intergalactic holds the record for most dislikes of a video game trailer this year, highlighting the intense reaction to the studio’s creative choices.

The original design of Eva in Stellar Blade was a key factor in the game's success, earning widespread praise for its aesthetic appeal. This stark contrast between the original, well-received design and the newly unveiled concept art underscores the significant impact character design can have on a game's reception.