Larian Studios has confirmed it will not use generative AI for creating concept art for the upcoming Divinity game to ensure all art remains original, although it plans to use AI internally to speed up development processes with trained models on its own data.
Analyst Arvind Ramnani from Truist highlights two AI-powered digital platform stocks, Duolingo and Lemonade, which are poised to benefit from the rapid adoption of generative AI technology, with potential significant growth driven by AI integration into their business models.
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.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasizes the importance of moving beyond dismissive labels like 'slop' for generative AI, advocating for a nuanced understanding of AI's role in human cognition and future technology development, while remaining optimistic about continued investment and innovation in the field.
The article discusses the evolution of Google Search towards AI Mode, highlighting how generative AI is transforming search by providing immediate, context-rich answers, which challenges traditional advertising models and the future of online media. It emphasizes the importance of AI in maintaining Google's mission of accessible information and the need for Google to innovate in ad-supported media in the age of AI.
In 2025, users widely embraced Google's Nano Banana AI image tool, with popular prompts including trying on clothes, surrounding oneself with dogs, creating images with younger selves, experimenting with new haircuts, and generating fake holiday memories, reflecting a mix of practical uses and playful experimentation.
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino has expressed a positive view of Generative AI in game development, emphasizing its potential as a tool for efficiency and creativity, while addressing misconceptions about its use and the importance of ethical application. He advocates for recognizing AI as a beneficial tool rather than a threat, and highlights its potential to significantly reduce game development time.
The article discusses the rise of 'AI slop,' low-quality, surreal, and often copyright-violating content created using AI tools that flood social media platforms, driven by algorithmic engagement and a global economy that rewards virality over quality, with creators from around the world making a living through this phenomenon.
The article discusses the widespread use of a small, sparkly icon by tech companies to signify AI features, which metaphorically suggests magic and influences user perception. Despite its popularity, this symbol may contribute to the underwhelming and mistrustful attitude towards AI, as it evokes a sense of wonder rather than transparency or safety. Experts suggest that a different icon, like a warning triangle, might better communicate AI's capabilities and risks, but the current symbol's friendly magic continues to dominate industry design.
Sandfall Interactive's game Expedition 33 faced controversy over AI-generated artwork, but the developers clarified that all game content was created by humans and they do not plan to use AI in future projects, emphasizing a commitment to human-made content amidst ongoing industry debates about AI use in game development.
In 2025, AI-powered smart home assistants like Alexa Plus have failed to meet expectations, struggling with basic tasks and reliability despite promises of advanced, conversational capabilities. Experts attribute these issues to the inherent unpredictability of large language models (LLMs) and the challenges in integrating them with traditional command-based systems, leading to a reliance on real-world testing and gradual improvements over time.
The Indie Game Awards retracted the Game of the Year and Debut Game awards from Expedition 33 after discovering that its developer used generative AI during development, violating the awards' strict no-AI policy, and awarded the Game of the Year to Blue Prince instead.
The article discusses the increasing use of generative AI by major game companies for tasks like concept art and asset creation, highlighting industry experimentation, potential impacts on creativity and employment, and mixed player reactions, with some experts suggesting AI could improve game quality while others worry about artistic integrity and job displacement.
The reviewer loves Arc Raiders but criticizes Embark Studio's use of generative AI for voice acting, arguing it undermines human talent and raises ethical issues about creativity and labor. While AI improves workflow, it doesn't enhance the game's artistic quality, prompting broader concerns about AI's role in the industry and its impact on human creators and society.
Most teens are using generative AI, but parents and schools are struggling to keep up with guidance and safety measures, raising concerns about privacy, development, and online safety. Recent policy shifts and new tools aim to address these issues, but comprehensive regulations are still in development as society navigates the evolving impact of AI on childhood.