Naughty Dog's concept artist sparked controversy after sharing artwork of Stellar Blade's protagonist, Eva, on X. The depiction, deemed unattractive by many fans, portrayed Eva with masculine features, prompting widespread criticism. Commenters overwhelmingly described the design as "ugly" and "terrible," with some even labeling it "repulsive." Many accused the artist of presenting an "awakened" version of Eva.

This incident follows recent criticism of Naughty Dog's inclusion of explicit DEI content in Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a sci-fi adventure whose trailer holds the record for most dislikes. This negative reception contrasts sharply with the success of Stellar Blade earlier this year, largely attributed to Eva's universally praised beauty. Shift Up's original design of Eva was well-received, unlike this new, controversial interpretation.