Ironmouse Cancels

In early May 2026, popular VTuber Ironmouse announced the cancellation of her sponsorship deal with the open-world gacha game Neverness to Everness after discovering undisclosed use of AI-generated content by the game’s developers, Hotta Studio. Ironmouse revealed that her representatives had been explicitly assured no AI tools were used during the game’s development prior to her agreeing to promote it. However, upon learning the truth, she publicly criticized the developers for what she described as deceit, highlighting the contrast between their assurances and the apparent presence of generative AI assets in the final game.

Ironmouse described her removal of the game from her system as the “fastest uninstall” of her life, underscoring her strong reaction to the situation. Despite the controversy, Hotta Studio had not confirmed the allegations of AI use at the time of her announcement. This incident sparked broader backlash within the gaming community against what some have called “AI slop”—a derogatory term for low-quality or deceptive AI-generated work—especially when used without transparency or consent.

This event illustrates growing tensions around AI content in creative industries, where ethical considerations and disclosure remain critical. Ironmouse’s stance reflects wider concerns among creators and audiences about AI’s role and the importance of honesty in sponsorship and game development, signaling possible reputational risks and marketplace impacts for studios employing generative AI without clear communication.