The Sunday Papers

Sundays bring a mix of reflection and frustration for many. Amidst piles of sawdust, spilled paint, and broken MDF, some question when they will finally be free to enjoy their hobbies. Today, however, the question remains unanswered. After a period of contemplation, it is clear that reality will likely intervene.

While perusing the best writing about and not about games from the past week, one cannot help but feel a growing exhaustion with the constant stream of generative AI stories. Gaming executives frequently discuss the rise of AI technology, followed by trailers featuring blurry text and six-fingered characters. While the technology may improve, it is not inevitable.

Rob Fahey's latest GI column provides a welcome respite from the hype, cautioning against the manufacturing of consent for AI use in game development. This push to convince developers and players that AI is now a necessity can be seen as a way to push for its adoption.

Amidst the growing concerns, there are glimmers of hope. Merritt K's Aftermath column highlights the improvements in Karaoke technology, emphasizing that not every aspect of Big Tech's influence is negative. As the days grow shorter and the evenings grow longer, we must seek out the good and pure things that have always been better.

Karaoke, in particular, stands out as one of those things. While not directly affected by tech giants, it thrives thanks to the efforts of enterprising individuals who love the game. For instance, Ashley Bardhan's exploration of how horror developers are confronting and exploring violence against women in FMV games is a powerful example of this.

In her game Vile: Exhumed, Cara Cadaver uses her own photos and videos to represent the experiences of victims of sexual violence and murder, emphasizing the relevance of women's stories in horror.