Gaming

Can AI make video games more immersive? Some studios turn to AI-fueled NPCs for more interaction

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Can AI make video games more immersive? Some studios turn to AI-fueled NPCs for more interaction

LOS ANGELES — For decades, video games have relied on scripted, stilted interactions with non-player characters to help shepherd gamers in their journeys. But as artificial intelligence technology improves, game studios are experimenting with generative AI to help build environments, assist game writers in crafting NPC dialogue and lend video games the improvisational spontaneity once … Read more

A blockbuster Chinese video game sparks debate on sexism in the nation’s gaming industry

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A blockbuster Chinese video game sparks debate on sexism in the nation’s gaming industry

WASHINGTON — A blockbuster new Chinese video game hailed as a milestone for the country’s gaming industry has put an unexpected spotlight on longstanding claims of rampant sexism in China’s male-dominated gaming culture. While some gamers are basking in the runaway success of the action-adventure title “Black Myth: Wukong,” others are voicing their complaints about … Read more

Video game performers reach agreement with 80 video games on AI terms

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Video game performers reach agreement with 80 video games on AI terms

LOS ANGELES — After striking for over a month, video game performers have reached agreements with 80 games that have signed interim or tiered budget agreements with the performers’ union and accepted the artificial intelligence provisions they have been seeking. Members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists began striking in … Read more

Comic Relief US launches new Roblox game to help children build community virtually and in real life

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Comic Relief US launches new Roblox game to help children build community virtually and in real life

NEW YORK — The notion that online gaming could help players develop charitable habits seemed bold when the anti-poverty nonprofit Comic Relief US tested its own multiverse on the popular world-building app Roblox last year. As philanthropy wrestles with how to authentically engage new generations of digitally savvy donors, Comic Relief US CEO Alison Moore … Read more

Can AI truly replicate the screams of a man on fire? Video game performers want their work protected

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Can AI truly replicate the screams of a man on fire? Video game performers want their work protected

LOS ANGELES — For hours, motion capture sensors tacked onto Noshir Dalal’s body tracked his movements as he unleashed aerial strikes, overhead blows and single-handed attacks that would later show up in a video game. He eventually swung the sledgehammer gripped in his hand so many times that he tore a tendon in his forearm. … Read more

Nintendo reports trailing profit as sales of aging Switch game console slide

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Nintendo reports trailing profit as sales of aging Switch game console slide

TOKYO — Japanese video game maker Nintendo reported Friday a 55% drop in profit in the April-June quarter as sales slipped in both machines and game software compared to last year. Game machine sales tend to trail off after they hit the market. The Nintendo Switch is in its eighth year after sales began, with … Read more

Hollywood’s video game performers head to the picket line over AI protections

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Hollywood’s video game performers head to the picket line over AI protections

LOS ANGELES — Hollywood’s video game performers are heading to the Warner Bros. Studios lot Thursday to picket against what they call an unwillingness from top gaming companies to protect voice actors and motion capture workers equally against the unregulated use of artificial intelligence. The protest marks the first large labor action since game voice … Read more

Video game performers will go on strike over artificial intelligence concerns

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Video game performers will go on strike over artificial intelligence concerns

LOS ANGELES — Hollywood’s video game performers announced they would go on strike Thursday, throwing part of the entertainment industry into another work stoppage after talks for a new contract with major game studios broke down over artificial intelligence protections. The strike — the second for video game voice actors and motion capture performers under … Read more

Patriots receiver won’t face prosecution over online gambling while at LSU

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Patriots receiver won’t face prosecution over online gambling while at LSU

NEW ORLEANS — New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte will not be prosecuted on charges related to illegal online gaming that police said took place while he was underage and still a player at Louisiana State University, a Baton Rouge prosecutor said Tuesday. First Assistant District Attorney Tracey Barbera said the decision was made … Read more