Anime Fans Question AI Use in Sekiro: No Defeat Animation
The anime adaptation of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, titled Sekiro: No Defeat, recently released its first trailer. Almost immediately, fans raised concerns about the animation quality, speculating that AI might have been used in the production.
A Reddit post—now deleted—showed a frame featuring a character with an extra finger, sparking the debate. One user commented, “Honestly, if I'm going to watch a Sekiro anime made with AI, I'd rather it not even be produced.” This sentiment resonated with some viewers who found the animation lacking.
Community Reactions: Skepticism and Defense
Some Reddit users agreed that the animation appeared off. Comments like “Oh that’s really bad” and comparisons to “everyday fan-made animation on YouTube” reflected disappointment. These criticisms stem from the expectation that a high-profile adaptation would showcase top-tier hand-drawn animation.
However, fans defending the series pointed out the possibility that the questionable frame was a “smear frame,” a common animation technique used to depict motion blur. One user wrote, “That's a smear frame. We've really reached the point where kids are calling smear frames AI.” Another added that even acclaimed anime have imperfect in-between frames, which can appear awkward but are part of the art form.
The Studio and AI Usage Concerns
The studio behind Sekiro: No Defeat, Qzil.la, claims on its website to blend technology and creativity beyond conventional methods. This statement has fueled speculation about whether AI tools played a role in the animation process.
While the series is officially described as fully hand-drawn, the studio’s openness to innovative technology raises questions amid ongoing debates about AI’s place in animation. For creatives working in animation and digital art, this controversy highlights the challenges of balancing traditional craftsmanship with emerging tools.
What Creatives Can Take Away
- Understand animation techniques: Smear frames and in-between frames can look odd but are standard in hand-drawn animation. Recognizing these helps avoid misjudging quality.
- Stay informed on AI’s role: AI tools can assist but also stir debates about authenticity in creative work. Being transparent about methods builds trust with audiences.
- Focus on quality over shortcuts: Whether AI is used or not, animation should maintain high standards to meet fan expectations.
Sekiro: No Defeat follows the story of a hero striving to restore balance to a fractured Japan after a prolonged war. Though its release date remains unannounced, the anticipation brings both excitement and scrutiny from the creative community.
For those interested in the evolving intersection between AI and creative industries, exploring courses on AI tools and animation techniques can be valuable. Resources like Complete AI Training’s courses offer insights into how AI is shaping creative workflows.
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