Stellar Blade fans have accused Naughty Dog's character designer of intentionally uglifying Eve

Naughty Dog's concept artist sparked controversy with a newly released Stellar Blade character design. The artwork, shared on the game's official X account, depicts protagonist Eva with a masculine appearance, prompting a wave of negative feedback from fans. Many comments described the design as unattractive, ugly, and even repulsive, with some suggesting the design makes Eva look "awakened."

This isn't the first time Naughty Dog has faced criticism for its artistic choices. The studio recently drew ire for the inclusion of what many considered overt DEI content in the trailer for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a sci-fi adventure that subsequently became the most disliked video game trailer of the year.

The backlash stands in stark contrast to the overwhelmingly positive reception of Shift Up's original design for Eva. Her conventionally attractive appearance was a major contributing factor to Stellar Blade's success earlier this year, making her a beloved character among gamers. The new design, therefore, represents a significant departure from the aesthetic that contributed to the game's popularity.