The recently released trailer for Stellar Blade: Blood Rain, presented at Summer Game Fest 2026, has sparked scrutiny regarding the use of generative AI in its production. Observers have noted that the trailer features elements that appear to be influenced by AI, including incoherent Chinese characters, which could alienate a large segment of its audience in China, where over 60% of players for the original game reside. Daniel Camilo pointed out these translation issues on social media, suggesting that they could negatively impact sales in one of the game's largest markets. Shift Up, the studio behind the game, has previously enjoyed success with its PS5 exclusive, which debuted on Steam in June 2025. The CEO, Kim Hyung-tae, advocates for the use of generative AI to enhance productivity in smaller studios but insists that it should not replace traditional asset creation. Additionally, the youthful protagonist, Evie, has drawn criticism, which may further complicate the game's reception. As the sequel prepares for a multi-platform launch, the influence of generative AI and the character design choices remain contentious topics.