Shift Up, the South Korean developer behind Stellar Blade and Nikke: Goddess of Victory, has responded to criticism over a recent illustration accused of including a hidden “anti-male” symbol. The studio apologized and announced new internal checks to avoid similar mistakes.

The Origin of the Artwork Controversy

The issue started in August when Shift Up shared an illustration celebrating Nikke: Goddess of Victory’s 1,000th day since launch. The image showed Rapi, Anis, and Neon holding a cake, but some Korean players claimed that the characters’ hand gestures resembled the “jibgeson” or “crab hand” symbol. This gesture links to the feminist community “Megalian,” often associated with online activism and gender satire.

The claim spread quickly through online forums, sparking heated debates. Critics said the gesture mocked men, while others dismissed the idea. Shift Up reacted by replacing the artwork and explaining that a foreign studio created it without any political intent.

Shift Up’s Official Response

During the third-anniversary livestream for Nikke, director Hyungsuk Yoo addressed the situation. He stated that the studio “will never tolerate” hate speech or political messages in its projects. Yoo confirmed that Shift Up has tightened its internal review process to check all visual materials more closely before release.

His statement aimed to reassure players that the team’s focus remains on entertainment, not ideology. By improving oversight, Shift Up hopes to prevent similar issues and maintain a positive relationship with its global audience.

Community Reactions and Future Outlook

Fans responded with mixed opinions. Some appreciated the quick response and transparency, while others felt the backlash was exaggerated. Despite the drama, Nikke: Goddess of Victory continues to perform well, keeping its large international fanbase active since its 2022 launch.

Meanwhile, Shift Up is preparing new post-launch content for Stellar Blade, following its strong debut earlier this year. The studio plans to move forward by focusing on its core strength which is creating polished, engaging games that connect with players worldwide.

By tightening its review policies and communicating openly, Shift Up aims to rebuild confidence and keep attention on what truly matters: its games and community. For more news and updates on the game, follow their official X account.