Qzil.la, the studio producing the newly announced anime Sekiro: No Defeat, has addressed speculation about potential AI involvement in the series' creation, confirming the project will be entirely hand-animated.
In official statements posted on Twitter/X in Japanese and provided to IGN via press release, Qzil.la clarified their production methods:
『SEKIRO: NO DEFEAT』 制作手法についてのご案内 pic.twitter.com/yIwzzf9WXl
— SEKIRO: NO DEFEAT｜アニメ公式 (@sekiro\_nd\_anime) August 22, 2025
"We're thrilled to announce Sekiro: No Defeat as a Crunchyroll exclusive coming in 2026," the English statement reads. "This adaptation is being crafted as traditional 2D animation through the combined efforts of Qzil.la, ARCH and Kadokawa's talented artists. We can categorically confirm that AI plays no role in this anime's production. Viewers can expect the same meticulous craftsmanship that made the original game iconic, now translated into animated form."
The anime adaptation was unveiled during gamescom's Opening Night Live last week, based on FromSoftware's acclaimed Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This collaborative effort between Qzil.la, Kadokawa, and ARCH arrives on Crunchyroll in 2026.
Discussions about possible AI implementation began shortly after the announcement, with online commentators referencing Qzil.la's website mentioning AI utilization in general production processes. The controversial section states (via translation):
"We're pioneering technologies to enhance creative efficiency across anime production. By reevaluating conventional methods and collaborating with technically advanced partners, we're incorporating cutting-edge solutions including AI to revolutionize production workflows and artistic expression – driving digital transformation in anime."
These concerns intensified following Crunchyroll's recent AI-generated subtitle controversy. While CEO Rahul Purini initially expressed interest in AI applications in 2024, he later clarified to Forbes this April that Crunchyroll wouldn't implement AI creatively. The streaming service ultimately attributed the subtitle issue to an external vendor, promising corrective measures.
Sekiro: No Defeat features kenichi Kutsuna directing with Takuya Satou handling screenplay duties. The cast includes Daisuke Namikawa as Wolf, Miyuki Satou as Kuro, and Kenjiro Tsuda voicing Genichiro Ashina. The series premieres on Crunchyroll next year.
