Key Takeaways
- Shift Up has created a quality management department following an illustration controversy in Goddess of Victory: Nikke.
- The studio pledged zero tolerance for hate speech and promised stricter review of in-game assets.
- The move follows backlash over a 1000-day anniversary image featuring a gesture linked to South Korea’s gender conflict.
Shift Up Responds to Backlash Over Nikke Illustration
On October 25, 2025, South Korean developer Shift Up published a third-anniversary developer commentary for its popular mobile game, Goddess of Victory: Nikke. In it, the studio announced the formation of a quality management department aimed at preventing future issues involving in-game content and artwork.
The developers also emphasized that they would not tolerate “anyone intentionally inserting hate speech into the game,” signaling a renewed commitment to cultural sensitivity and stricter content review.
This announcement follows a major controversy that erupted earlier in the year over a promotional illustration that some players deemed offensive
The 1000-Day Illustration Controversy
The controversy began on August 2, 2025, when Shift Up celebrated Nikke’s 1000-day anniversary by sharing a commemorative illustration featuring several of the game’s characters. However, one of the characters was depicted making a hand gesture that resembled what South Korean internet users refer to as the “crab hand.”
While the gesture might appear harmless to outsiders, in South Korea it has become heavily politicized. It is associated with radical feminist groups that have used it to mock Korean men — suggesting, derogatorily, that they have small genitals.
This symbol has become a flashpoint in South Korea’s broader gender conflict, where tensions between feminist and anti-feminist factions frequently spill into online spaces and even mainstream media.
Public Reaction and Developer Apology
The illustration quickly drew criticism from Korean social media users and online forums, sparking debates about intent, oversight, and political expression in games.
In response, Shift Up swiftly removed the artwork and replaced it with a revised version, where the character’s hands were redrawn to eliminate any possible reference to the gesture.
The company also issued a formal apology, stating that the artwork had not undergone sufficient internal review before being published. The developers clarified that the gesture was not intentional and promised to take greater care in the future.
A Broader Cultural Sensitivity Issue
This is not the first time a global brand has faced backlash in South Korea over this particular gesture. Apple, for example, modified promotional materials for its iPhone Air campaign in the country, removing a similar pinching hand pose to avoid misinterpretation and controversy.
The recurring incidents highlight the complex cultural dynamics at play in South Korea, where online activism and social division can rapidly turn innocuous imagery into flashpoints for debate.
Quality Management and Future Direction
In its October developer commentary, Shift Up outlined a new internal review system under its freshly established Quality Management Department. The department’s role will be to:
- Oversee content approval before public release.
- Ensure cultural and political neutrality in visual assets.
- Maintain ethical and inclusive standards across Goddess of Victory: Nikke and future titles.
The studio reiterated its commitment to creating “a respectful and safe gaming environment” for all players.
By taking these steps, Shift Up hopes to rebuild trust with its global community and demonstrate that it has learned from the incident.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Accountability
The Nikke controversy serves as a reminder of how even small design details can carry unintended weight in today’s interconnected world. Shift Up’s decision to form a quality management department marks a proactive move toward accountability, cultural awareness, and quality assurance in game development.
While the studio’s swift response may help repair its reputation, it also reflects a broader industry trend — one where developers must navigate increasingly complex social contexts without compromising creative expression.
Shift Up’s new initiative may not erase past missteps, but it could set a new benchmark for responsible game production in South Korea and beyond.
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