Naughty Dog's concept artist sparked controversy after sharing artwork of Stellar Blade's protagonist, Eva, on X. The design, deemed unattractive by many fans, depicted Eva with masculine features, prompting a wave of negative feedback. Comments overwhelmingly criticized the artwork, labeling it "repulsive" and accusing the artist of presenting an undesirable interpretation of the character.
This incident follows recent criticism of Naughty Dog's inclusion of explicit DEI content in Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a sci-fi adventure whose trailer holds the record for most dislikes. The negative reaction contrasts sharply with the overwhelmingly positive reception of Shift Up's original design for Eva in Stellar Blade, a design credited with much of the game's initial success. Eva's conventionally attractive appearance was a significant factor in her popularity and the game's positive reception. The new design, therefore, represents a significant departure from a previously well-received aesthetic.
