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After years of speculation, Gamescom 2025’s Opening Night Live finally confirmed what fans had long hoped for — the Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice anime adaptation is real. Titled Sekiro: No Defeat, the series is being produced in collaboration with Activision and Kadokawa, with animation led by Qzil.la. A debut teaser has already set expectations high, with the show scheduled to premiere in 2026.
The anime follows FromSoftware’s award-winning game, blending the dark tone and samurai-inspired setting into a new medium. Fans welcomed the announcement enthusiastically, but concerns soon began to surface.
Fan Concerns Over AI Use
Qzil.la, the studio behind the project, has previously expressed interest in exploring AI within creative pipelines. This history led to speculation that Sekiro: No Defeat might use AI-generated animation or assets.
Given that Sekiro’s reputation rests heavily on its artistry and atmosphere, fans feared such an approach could undermine the anime’s authenticity. Online discussions quickly gained momentum, with many voicing strong opposition to any involvement of AI.
Qzil.la Issues Official Statement
To address the controversy, Qzil.la released an official statement via Crunchyroll, which will stream the series. The studio reassured fans that Sekiro: No Defeat will be produced entirely with traditional hand-drawn 2D animation, with no AI tools involved in the creative process.
“Our priority is preserving the artistry and soul that defined the original game,” the statement emphasised. “Every frame will be crafted by hand, staying true to Sekiro’s spirit.”
The adaptation is being developed in collaboration with ARCH and Kadokawa, two companies with long-standing experience in anime production.
A Faithful Adaptation on the Horizon
With fears over AI dispelled, excitement around Sekiro: No Defeat has returned. The anime aims to bring Wolf’s journey into a new medium while maintaining the precision, tension, and atmosphere that fans remember from the game.
Scheduled for release in 2026, the series has already positioned itself as one of the most anticipated gaming adaptations of the decade — and now with the assurance that artistry will remain at its core.
