Entertainment has long been an integral aspect of the human experience. From ancient Greek theatrical performances to board games played across the Levant, entertaining oneself is as old as civilization. Over time, such ingrained cultural practices adapted to society’s evolving norms and interests.
However, recent technological advancements have brought about a more tremendous shift in how entertainment is experienced.
Artificial intelligence, in particular, is marking the dawn of a new era in music, cinema, and other emerging virtual mediums. So, how exactly is AI changing the game? Let’s find out.
AI in Filmmaking
Last year’s Hollywood strike shed light on the changing paradigm in the film industry. Screenwriters and performers settled a historic AI deal, but this triumph might only put off the technology’s rapid and inevitable progression.
For one, the use of generative AI to reproduce actors’ faces and bodies is on the rise. Already, AI-generated digital clones are bringing dead actors back to life.
Meanwhile, AI machines are learning so fast as to emulate the best filmmakers around. During a recent conference hosted by UNESCO, film producer Joseph McGinty Nichol warned that moviegoers might soon have a hard time telling AI apart from the work of visionary directors such as Pedro Almodóvar.
Not all analysts paint such a bleak picture, however. For some, AI’s mainstream accessibility can bring positive change to the medium by democratizing filmmaking.
With only a smartphone and a few AI tools, emerging talents with no financial backup or industry connections could soon blow the world of cinema.
The tech might also streamline such time-consuming pre-production tasks as budgeting and location scouting, clearing time for creative teams to focus on enhancing storytelling.
AI in Music
Artificial intelligence has been a point of contention for record labels and musicians for quite some time. The viral buzz of unauthorized AI-generated tracks copycatting world-famous artists’ voices and musical styles forced the industry to step up to protect intellectual property.
Universal Music Group quickly urged streaming platforms to block AI access to its catalog. While these copyright issues have far-reaching ethical and practical implications, the music industry is not entirely averse to AI technology, provided it can enforce strong regulations.
Putting controversies aside, UMG launched a strategic AI partnership with the music-making app BandLab in 2023. As early as 2020, Korean company SM Entertainment pioneered the world’s first K-pop virtual girl band, Aespa.
Recently, musicians and AI experts launched a song-making tool that turns text into full-blown tracks. Named Suno AI, this ChatGPT for music lets anyone produce the pro-level track of their dreams.
AI in Gaming
Nowhere is the transformative power of AI so prevalent as in the gaming sector. A recent report claims that 62% of studios are using AI during game development. Most argue that the technology has helped them improve their delivery and make efficiency savings.
As for players themselves, generative AI is opening up new avenues for gameplay and storytelling. This radical metamorphosis is shown in how gamers interact with non-playable characters.
Before long, AI-powered tools will turn NPCs into full-fledged characters with more natural body animation and unpredictable behavior.
Additionally, in-house text-generating tools are helping writers craft more dialogue options, making virtual worlds more organic than ever before. Soon enough, tailor-made quests could become just as common in open-world games.
This extra layer of personalization is also patent online. The iGaming sector has long embraced AI to customize its offerings and ramp up its cybersecurity procedures. Fraudsters have not entirely vanished from sight, however.
Thankfully, prospective players can find reputable online casinos with just a click. On specialized websites, casino experts do all the heavy lifting for users to get an overview of a platform’s strong points and drawbacks.
They also keep track of the best deals around, allowing players to browse up-to-date casino offers. From niche casinos to big hitters, dozens of trusted platforms are a click away.
Final Words
Is AI a friend or foe? This burning question remains as unanswered in the entertainment industry as in any other sector. Fears of job displacement are rampant among artists and creators, while others envision a standardized age of AI-generated uniformity.
Yet, artificial intelligence can also assist in human creativity by taking over mundane tasks or helping gifted individuals put their foot in the door. Whether AI in entertainment is correct is debatable, but technology is shaking up the industry.
