Sekiro: No Defeat Anime Controversy Explained – AI or Hand-Drawn?

Is Sekiro: No Defeat Using AI Animation? Breaking Down the Evidence

When Sekiro: No Defeat was announced at Gamescom, fans of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice had plenty of reasons to be hyped. FromSoftware’s dark, layered storytelling has captivated gamers for years, and expanding their worlds into anime feels like the natural next step. We’ve seen rumors of an Elden Ring movie, and now Sekiro is stepping into the spotlight with a full-blown anime.

But while some fans are celebrating, others are sharpening their katanas — not over the lore or the art style, but over whether AI was used in the show’s production.

Let’s break down both sides of this heated debate.

Why People Are Excited

Sekiro’s lore is one of FromSoftware’s richest creations. The idea of getting first-party storytelling that isn’t hidden in item descriptions or obscure cutscenes is huge. For many fans, No Defeat is a chance to experience Sekiro’s world in a more direct, cinematic way.

The art style shown in the trailer leans into retro anime with some modern flourishes. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but others found that the more they watched, the more it grew on them. Characters like Genichiro and Wolf are instantly recognizable, and seeing them move in anime form is surreal for longtime fans.

It also shows FromSoftware stepping further into mainstream media. Books, movies, anime — the studio is clearly looking to expand their IPs beyond gaming. If No Defeat is successful, it could pave the way for Bloodborne, Dark Souls, or Elden Ring adaptations.

The AI Accusations

Now, here’s where things get messy.

Eagle-eyed fans started freeze-framing the trailer and pointing out glaring inconsistencies. Hands with six fingers. Missing index fingers that magically blend into sword handles. Gloves that change design in almost every frame. Even bizarre thumb placements that defy basic anatomy.

Normally, you’d chalk this up to smear frames — stylistic distortions used in animation to create motion blur. But these errors weren’t distorted motion; they were just… wrong. And the sheer lack of consistency across consecutive frames looked suspiciously like one of AI’s biggest tells.

AI image generators are notorious for struggling with anatomy and maintaining consistency. A character’s armor, hand, or face can shift slightly each time because the model is re-generating the image instead of building it off the last one. Critics argue that’s exactly what we’re seeing here.

Defenders, meanwhile, claim it’s just stylistic choice or rushed animation. The studio insists it’s hand-drawn, but skeptics point out that companies aren’t exactly known for being upfront when money’s on the line.

Why It Matters

For many fans, the issue isn’t simply whether AI was used — it’s about quality. If AI is being leaned on too heavily, it risks cheapening the artistry of animation. And if humans did draw all this but still couldn’t keep the designs consistent, that’s arguably worse.

The messiness makes the anime look rushed or fan-made, which stings because Sekiro deserves better. Fans point to the Sonic the Hedgehog movie redesign as a precedent: if enough backlash builds, maybe the production could course-correct.

On the flip side, others argue that AI use in media is inevitable. Every movie, anime, or game in the coming years will likely use it in some form. The question becomes less “was AI used?” and more “does the final product look good?”

Land of Geek Rating – First Impressions

⭐ Early Hype Rating: 7/10 (with caution)

✅ Pros

• FromSoftware stepping into anime is exciting.
• Sekiro’s lore finally explored in a direct narrative.
• Retro-meets-modern art style has potential.
• Could open the door for more FromSoftware adaptations.
• Hype is strong among fans eager for more Sekiro content.

❌ Cons

• Trailer shows glaring animation inconsistencies.
• Evidence strongly suggests AI use (or poor quality control).
• Messy art style feels like a cover-up for flaws.
• Risk of cheapening Sekiro’s dark, polished legacy.
• Controversy may overshadow the storytelling itself.

For me? I’m still excited to see Sekiro: No Defeat. The lore deserves the spotlight, and anime feels like a natural home for it. But I can’t ignore the concerns. Whether AI is involved or not, the inconsistencies in the trailer are real, and they make the production look sloppy.

FromSoftware fans expect excellence, and Sekiro deserves nothing less. If No Defeat leans into the game’s strengths — atmosphere, drama, and mythic storytelling — then the anime could still be a win. But the debate over AI is far from finished.

So, what do you think? Are you hyped for Sekiro: No Defeat, or are the AI rumors enough to turn you off? Drop your thoughts in the comments — the Land of Geek guild is dying to debate this one.

Stay sharp with more anime and gaming crossovers at Land of Geek Magazine — because in our world, defeat is never an option.

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