TLDR: Qzil.la Studio, the animation house behind the upcoming ‘Sekiro: No Defeat’ anime, has issued a definitive statement denying the use of generative artificial intelligence in its production. The studio, in collaboration with ARCH and Kadokawa, confirmed that the adaptation of FromSoftware’s ‘Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’ will be entirely hand-drawn, aiming to preserve the original game’s artistic integrity. This clarification comes after initial concerns arose due to Qzil.la’s past statements regarding AI integration in its broader technological development.
Tokyo, Japan – September 1, 2025 – Qzil.la Studio, the animation company tasked with bringing FromSoftware’s acclaimed video game ‘Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’ to the screen as ‘Sekiro: No Defeat,’ has publicly addressed and refuted claims of employing generative artificial intelligence in the anime’s production. The studio, working in partnership with ARCH and Kadokawa, released a statement on August 22, 2025, asserting a commitment to traditional animation techniques for the highly anticipated series.
The announcement of the ‘Sekiro: No Defeat’ anime at Gamescom on August 20, 2025, was met with excitement, but quickly followed by speculation regarding the use of AI. These concerns stemmed from previous statements on Qzil.la’s website, which indicated the company’s active development and utilization of AI to enhance production processes and expressions within the anime industry. Furthermore, reports highlighted instances where Qzil.la had previously boasted about using AI in other projects, with one presentation suggesting ‘60% of the animation is being produced using AI’ for an upcoming series. The controversy was further fueled by Crunchyroll, the exclusive streaming partner for ‘Sekiro: No Defeat,’ having recently faced criticism for using ChatGPT for subtitles in another anime.
In response to the growing apprehension among fans and industry observers, Qzil.la Studio issued a clear and unequivocal denial. The official statement, translated and shared with media outlets, emphasized the studio’s dedication to the project’s artistic authenticity. ‘The whole anime adaptation is a fully hand-drawn 2D animation created by the talented teams at Qzil.la, ARCH and Kadokawa,’ the statement read. ‘We can confirm that no AI is being used in the creation or production of this anime. Fans can look forward to the same artistry and precision that defined the original game, now reimagined in a new medium.’
The production committee further underscored the human element driving the project, stating, ‘All staff members are united in their commitment to this production, pouring their heart and soul into every cut.’ This assurance aims to alleviate fears that the unique visual style and narrative depth of ‘Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’ would be compromised by automated processes.
Also Read:
- Netflix Unveils Comprehensive Generative AI Guidelines for Content Production
- Andor Showrunner Tony Gilroy Halts Script Release Citing AI Concerns
‘Sekiro: No Defeat’ is slated for a worldwide release on Crunchyroll in 2026, with exclusions for Japan, China, Korea, Russia, and Belarus. The anime is directed by Kenichi Kutsuna and written by Takuya Satou, with a team of seasoned industry professionals contributing to its visual and narrative development. The studio’s firm stance against AI in this specific project reflects a broader industry debate on the role of artificial intelligence in creative endeavors, particularly in animation, where traditional artistry is highly valued by both creators and audiences.
