361. The Artists vs. the Machines (ft. Brian Merchant)
Aug 20, 2024
auto_awesome
Join Brian Merchant, a reporter spotlighting labor issues in the video game and animation industries, as he delves into the alarming rise of AI threatening creative jobs. He discusses how companies are using technology to degrade work quality and undermine job security. The conversation highlights the bold collective response from workers pushing back against these changes, especially in the organized animation sector, asserting that 'AI can fuck right off.' Expect insights on unionization and the cultural impact of AI on artistic integrity.
AI integration in video game development threatens job security and diminishes the quality of creative work produced by human artists.
Union organizing and collective action among workers in animation and gaming are vital responses to combat exploitation and protect livelihoods against AI encroachment.
Deep dives
AI's Impact on Video Game Development
The podcast discusses the significant effects of AI on the video game industry, highlighting how generative AI tools are increasingly being integrated into development processes. With major companies like Microsoft acquiring large portions of the industry, the reporting reveals a unique vulnerability among studios, particularly those not protected by strong union representation. Many studios are adopting AI as a means to cut costs and increase productivity, using it for tasks traditionally performed by human workers. As a result, this trend raises concerns about job security and the quality of creative outputs in a landscape where developers may be compelled to rely on AI-generated solutions.
The Alarming Scale of Layoffs
Recent statistics reveal a staggering number of layoffs in the gaming sector, with an estimated 10,500 employees losing their jobs in 2023 alone, and an additional 11,000 anticipated. This frequency of layoffs contrasts sharply with the public's perception of the gaming industry, which is often not taken as seriously as other entertainment sectors such as Hollywood. Despite the industry's massive worth of $200 billion, the lack of media coverage surrounding these layoffs suggests an underlying normalization of precarity within the gaming workforce. The podcast underscores the urgent need for attention and action from the media and society regarding these ongoing issues within the industry.
The Rise of Union Organizing
The conversation touches on the potential for union organizing in response to the threat posed by AI in creative industries. As workers in animation and video games face increasing exploitation and job insecurity, there is a growing recognition that unions could offer vital protection against the rapid implementation of AI. Events such as the Stand With Animation rally demonstrate a shift towards collective action from creative workers, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in combating corporate greed. The discussion illustrates how current labor movements could help shape a more equitable future for those employed in industries where artificial intelligence is encroaching.
The Philosophical Dilemma of 'Good Enough'
A central theme emerges around the concept of 'good enough' as it relates to AI in creative work. The idea reflects how corporations are beginning to accept lower standards for creative outputs just to save costs while executing downturn management strategies. This approach risks diminishing the artistic quality and integrity of the work produced, drawing parallels to the broader implications of automated customer service failures. As workers express concerns about the degradation of their roles and the value of their contributions being diminished, the podcast highlights the philosophical ramifications of allowing AI to dictate what is deemed acceptable in creative labor.
We’re joined by Brian Merchant to chat about his reporting on the frontlines of labor exploitations in video games development and animation studios where companies are using AI to replace and degrade jobs, fracture and disempower the workforce, and push the quality of artistic works down even further. When executives explicitly say they are going to use a technology to destroy your livelihoods, then you should believe them and act accordingly. The collective response by workers – especially in the highly unionized animation industry – has been strong and swift. Their message is clear: “AI can fuck right off.”
••• AI Is Already Taking Jobs in the Video Game Industry https://www.wired.com/story/ai-is-already-taking-jobs-in-the-video-game-industry/
••• He Made a Movie About Humans Rising Up Against AI. Now He’s Doing the Real Thing https://www.wired.com/story/hollywood-animators-fight-artificial-intelligence-labor-mike-rianda/
••• Brian’s newsletter: https://www.bloodinthemachine.com/
Subscribe to hear more analysis and commentary in our premium episodes every week! https://www.patreon.com/thismachinekills
Hosted by Jathan Sadowski (www.x.com/jathansadowski) and Edward Ongweso Jr. (www.x.com/bigblackjacobin). Production / Music by Jereme Brown (www.x.com/braunestahl)
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode