The development team behind NTE: Neverness to Everness has admitted to using some AI-assisted tools in the development of the open-world action RPG, though not as much as some players may fear. Fans of the game have raised strong concerns about the use of generative AI in Neverness to Everness' creation, but according to the developer, many of those fears are unfounded.
Neverness to Everness was released worldwide between April 28–29 after less than a week of availability in its developer's native China. In just over a week's time, it's resonated well with fans, holding a strong Top Critic Average of 75 on OpenCritic, highlighting players' appreciation for its unique modern urban fantasy setting, stylish combat, multi-layered gameplay, and solid opening story hooks.
How to Increase Bond Fast in NTE (Neverness to Everness)
There are many ways to increase your affection with characters in Neverness to Everness. Here's everything you need to know.
NTE Devs Take AI Concerns Head-On
However, like many other games released in recent months, Neverness to Everness has faced criticism over the potential use of generative AI tools, with players claiming to have spotted signs of its presence in backgrounds, in-game storefront ads and posters, and even facial features during character videos. In response, Hotta Studio and Perfect World Games have issued an official response via the official NTE Twitter account, admitting to the use of AI-assisted development tools, but only for the creation of "a small number" of backgrounds and other environmental assets. Two specific instances singled out in the developer's message are the assets tied to the Clear Skies in Summer arc and the Pink Paw Heist looting game, and the team is already in the process of reviewing and reworking these assets, presumably removing any AI-generated elements from them.
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The developer's post appears to completely deny the usage of AI in the creation and design of Neverness to Everness' characters, expressing a sense of pride in the members of its creative team and the work that they have put forth. "The characters, stories, and world you experience are the work of artists, writers, and designers," it plainly states. However, the NTE team takes the concerns of its players seriously and states it will continue to be open to player feedback.
Reactions to the official post have shown a mixture of feelings regarding the use of generative AI in games. Many fans who have been enjoying Neverness to Everness so far have indicated that they're not bothered by the AI usage as long as it doesn't affect the employment of members of the development team. Others have taken a harder stance, stating they will not play the game as long as AI-generated assets are present, with a few even criticizing the dev team's leadership over a perceived lack of pre-launch transparency about its use of AI. In fairness, executive director and producer Yang Lei had disclosed the use of AI in Neverness to Everness prior to the game's release, saying it would be limited to atmospheric elements and renderings created for reference.
How the public reacts to this admission could affect the trajectory of the game moving forward, as it already seems to be one of the most popular releases of 2026 so far. Many have seen Neverness to Everness as a legitimate competitor to popular HoyoVerse games like Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero, and while its total player counts haven't been disclosed, it's put up some very impressive numbers on streaming platform Twitch, already exceeding 1.5 million hours viewed within a day of its release and carrying a peak concurrent audience of more than 98,000.
- Released
- April 29, 2026
- Developer(s)
- Hotta Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Perfect World Entertainment
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- PC Release Date
- April 29, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
NTE is a supernatural open-world RPG developed by Hotta Studio. The story begins in the city of Hethereau, where you play as the first "unlicensed" Anomaly Hunter. You will join the antique shop Eibon, which relies on taking on Anomaly commissions from the public to stay afloat. Alongside your diverse and extraordinary partners, you'll explore various urban mysteries, experiencing an array of adventures filled with laughter and tears, and crafting your unique urban saga.
【Strange City, Strange Adventures】
Welcome to the first stop in your appraisal career—Hethereau, a bustling and open metropolis!
In the bustling Bureau of Anomaly Control hall, hopeful Oddities queue up for their resident permits, while at the train station, an Esper commuter snaps his fingers to clean his work suit in a hurry. On one side of the street, a chaotic chase after Danzaburou is unfolding, while at the other end, a vacationing silver-gloved Butler chats amiably with the owner of a second-hand electronics shop. Everywhere you look, there's an abundance of intriguingly "abnormal" scenes!
Want to delve deeper into this world where humans and the supernatural coexist? Start your journey in Hethereau to witness, experience, and document it firsthand! The lively and quirky daily life here is a grand adventure in itself.
【Interesting Stories, Lighthearted Connections】
Today's Top Story: Rumors swirl about a mysterious pawnshop that only appears on the night of the full moon each month. What will you pledge for your wish?
Breaking News: Taygedo's romance crisis! Romance and impulsiveness, heartbreak and missed opportunities! Miss Tako, the object of a secret crush, is about to move away from Hethereau with her guarantor. How will the lovestruck otter convey his feelings before it's too late?
Reliable Insider Info: The photo studio "Film Orbit Studio" has reopened! All members of the Eibon Antique Shop enjoy exclusive discounts!
Weather Update: The Anomaly Rainman is entering an active phase, so be sure to carry rain gear when you go out~
That's all for today's "10AM" broadcast. Stay tuned for mysterious Anomalies, unbreakable "Oaths," and the ever-growing shadow of the colossal "Circle" organization, becoming clearer in the fragmented echoes of "Prophecies"...
【Encounters and Bonds】
Explore the mysterious shops in secluded alleys, meet the enigmatic shop owners, the high powerlevel bodyguards, the "jack-of-all-trades" robotic butlers, the troublemakers who can't stay out of problems, and the TV-headed repairmen with curious eating habits!
—As a member of Eibon, you'll always have energetic companions on your lively adventures!
Expand your social map starting from the bustling Hankaku Street! Courageously meet more faction members and freely add them as "Bagel" friends!
From the harmonious neighborhood of street shops to the unique hunter organizations, countless tales await in the side stories, ready for you to gather friends and forge bonds far and wide!
【Customize Your Urban Lifestyle】
Freely explore your city, choosing familiar routines or daring to try new things!
Customize your car and speed through bustling streets to feel the city's heartbeat, or take a ride on the Ghost Train to traverse Anomaly spaces and reach your destination in a flash.
In your downtime, will you visit the old shops on Hankaku Street to browse the secret seasonal goods, or will you purchase a cozy home and redecorate it to your liking?
Listen to your heart, follow your own pace, and immerse yourself in the vibrant city that embraces your trust, rewarding you with colorful, memorable days.
- PS5 Release Date
- April 29, 2026
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Android, iOS, PC
