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

Naughty Dog's concept artist sparked a backlash online after sharing artwork of Stellar Blade's protagonist, Eva, on X. Fans overwhelmingly criticized the design, deeming it unattractive and masculine, with many comments labeling it "ugly" and "terrible." The artwork was widely considered repulsive, and accusations arose that the designer intentionally presented Eva in an "awakened" state.

This incident follows recent controversy surrounding Naughty Dog's inclusion of explicit DEI content in Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. The game's trailer garnered a record number of dislikes, surpassing even Concord's earlier record. This negative reception contrasts sharply with the success of Stellar Blade earlier this year.

Stellar Blade's initial success was largely attributed to Eva's universally appealing design, making her a fan favorite. This positive reception stands in stark contrast to the negative reaction to the newly-released concept art.