SHIFT UP Studio and the official Stellar Blade account dropped a new original track and music video centered on Ivy, the lead of the upcoming sequel Stellar Blade: BLOOD RAIN — but the release quickly sparked heated debate about the tools used to make it.
The three‑minute clip, "Wanna be in LOVE," arrived in 4K on the studio's official YouTube channel and is meant to introduce the franchise’s new protagonist. Instead of the first game's bleak, post‑apocalyptic palette, this one leans into bright, neon visuals. Ivy strolls through futuristic streets, lounges on skyscraper rooftops, and even eats noodles; fast, kinetic cuts sit beside calmer, nature‑tinged sketches.
Musically, it’s a lyrical J‑pop tune about wanting to fall in love despite fear and the dulling effect of loneliness in a world that keeps shifting.
Reaction split fast. The core issue: heavy use of generative AI. Supporters — many saying Ivy looks "cute and charismatic" — argue the clip does a great job building hype and that the AI was handled well. Opponents, louder in number and tone, called it "AI slime" and griped that the studio, with a big budget, (esp. given past work) could’ve paid for full animation instead of relying on generation.