This Machine Kills 361. The Artists vs. the Machines (ft. Brian Merchant)
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Aug 20, 2024 
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.
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Activision's AI Adoption
- Activision's CTO gradually allowed more AI usage throughout the year.
- This led to layoffs and remaining workers using AI tools to compensate for lost colleagues.
Layoffs and Precarity
- The video game industry's precarity and high turnover contribute to less public outcry over layoffs.
- It's harder to raise the alarm when job insecurity is already normalized.
Mirroring Hollywood
- AI's impact on video games mirrors Hollywood, targeting areas with fewer worker protections.
- Companies see AI as a way to lower labor costs, especially for tasks like concept art and asset creation.