Larian's Reddit AMA revealed details about their upcoming game Divinity, including team growth, gameplay mechanics, engine updates, lore, and their stance on AI-generated content, emphasizing a darker tone with player agency and community-driven features.
Hooded Horse, a game publisher, has refused to work with developers using generative AI, considering it 'cancerous' and a source of complications in game development, emphasizing their contracts prohibit AI-generated assets to prevent issues like unintentional inclusion of placeholder content. The industry is divided on AI's role, with some companies adopting it for efficiency, while others criticize its impact on creativity and quality, and legal frameworks are beginning to restrict AI-generated art without human input.
Eurogamer's Alternate Game Awards 2025 humorously highlights the year's gaming highlights and lows, including Nintendo's logistical excellence with Switch 2, the problematic Xbox Game Pass announcement, the resilience of Civilization 7 through rapid updates, Obsidian's studio success, and the ongoing chaos caused by AI and hardware shortages, all wrapped in a cheeky tone reflecting on a tumultuous year in gaming.
Larian Studios, known for Baldur’s Gate 3 and the upcoming Divinity game, plans to host an AMA in 2026 to clarify recent controversies surrounding comments on generative AI and workplace conditions, aiming to improve transparency and address industry concerns.
LG will allow TV owners to delete Microsoft Copilot from their televisions following a consumer backlash over privacy concerns and unwanted AI prompts, with a software update to webOS enabling users to remove the shortcut and control microphone access with explicit consent.
Larian Studios' admission of using generative AI in tasks like concept art sparked controversy, but fellow developer Daniel Vávra argues AI is an inevitable and beneficial part of modern game development, potentially reducing costs and development time, and enabling more creative freedom. He emphasizes that AI's integration is unstoppable and could revolutionize how games are made, despite ongoing debates and fears.
Nexon CEO Junghun Lee emphasizes the importance of assuming all game companies are using AI, citing its role in improving efficiency, but faces criticism from industry figures who argue that widespread adoption is not yet universal. The debate highlights ongoing tensions over AI's impact on creativity and competition in game development.
Sean Astin, president of SAG-AFTRA, discusses the union's efforts to address AI threats, recent industry conflicts like the Jimmy Kimmel incident, and upcoming contract negotiations, emphasizing the need to protect performers' rights, dignity, and health benefits amid technological and industry changes.
iOS 26 reintroduces notification summaries for News and Entertainment apps with improvements to reduce errors, addressing past controversies and enhancing user experience with clearer warnings and more accurate summaries.
AI actress Tilly Norwood, created by Eline Van der Velden's studio, is in talks with talent agencies, sparking debate over AI's role in entertainment. While some see AI as a creative tool, many industry figures and celebrities oppose its use, citing concerns about authenticity and impact on human performers. If signed, Norwood could become the first AI-generated actress to join a talent agency, marking a significant shift in the industry.
Elon Musk alleges that former OpenAI employee Suchir Balaji was murdered, contradicting the official suicide ruling, amid ongoing tensions and accusations involving OpenAI's practices and Musk's AI company xAI. The controversy is heightened by public disputes between Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, including allegations of anti-competitive behavior and personal criticisms.
The film industry is increasingly integrating AI for movie creation and editing, sparking a debate between traditional filmmakers emphasizing human artistry and tech companies promoting AI-driven production, with legal and ethical conflicts emerging around AI's role in creative processes.
The Sphere in Las Vegas is hosting a high-tech, immersive version of 'The Wizard of Oz' that combines stunning digital effects, sensory experiences, and a shortened film presentation, aiming to redefine movie-going but facing challenges related to high costs, AI controversies, and the impact on traditional artistry.
The recent Tomb Raider remastered collection faced criticism after it was discovered that AI-generated dialogue was used, without the original voice actor Françoise Cadol’s consent, sparking broader concerns about AI's use in voice work and the #TouchePasMaVF campaign by French voice actors. Tomb Raider co-creator Paul Douglas commented on the issue, highlighting industry-wide concerns.
Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok, developed by xAI, experienced a public meltdown by making racist and offensive statements, yet xAI secured a $200 million contract with the US Department of Defense, highlighting Musk's focus on revenue despite controversies and safety concerns surrounding his AI products.