**Amazon’s AI-Created English Dub of *Banana Fish* Pulled Following Backlash**

In light of the recent controversy over the employment of artificial intelligence in creative sectors, Amazon has become a focal point by discontinuing its AI-created English dub of the anime series *Banana Fish*. This initiative, viewed as a means to cut expenses and branded as an “AI Beta,” was met with swift backlash from fans and voice actors when the release of the dub showcased a lackluster performance that did not fulfill the vibrant expectations of anime aficionados.

The series, a heartfelt action-laden yaoi thriller, tracks Ash Lynx, a savvy and resourceful gang leader, as he maneuvers through the perilous underbelly of 1980s New York City while striving to safeguard the compassionate Eiji Okumura. The narrative centers on Ash’s probe into a cryptic substance known as “Banana Fish.” Fans were taken aback to discover that rather than enlisting experienced voice actors, Amazon chose an AI voice track that critics described as flat and poorly executed, depriving the series of its emotional richness and thrills.

The discontent grew as snippets of the AI dub spread across the internet, exposing a dull vocal performance akin to uninspired text-to-speech technology rather than the fervent voice acting customary in anime. Numerous fans and creators flocked to social media outlets like TikTok to voice their dissatisfaction and champion the significance of human skill in voice acting. The fervor escalated, leading Amazon to withdraw the AI dub from its streaming platforms, although the Spanish AI-created dub is still accessible for the time being.

This episode is part of a broader dialogue concerning the emergence of generative AI across different creative domains, spanning from animation to video games. Comparable situations have surfaced within the gaming sector, where titles such as *Arc Raiders* have opted for AI-generated voices, igniting discussions on the repercussions of substituting human actors with AI. Proponents of AI in creative capacities assert that it can boost efficiency and cut costs, yet many industry experts contend that no substitute can genuinely emulate the subtleties and emotional resonance that human actors contribute to their roles.

As the discourse about AI in creative positions continues to progress, one major question persists: will Amazon reverse its choice and invest in a legitimate English dub featuring actual voice actors? Considering the immense resources at the company’s disposal, underscored by CEO Jeff Bezos’s billionaire standing, the anticipation from fans and voice actors is unmistakable—there is an essential demand for human ingenuity and skill in storytelling. The withdrawal of the AI dub from *Banana Fish* acts not only as a reaction to public demands but also as an important commentary on the future of voice acting in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.

It is an incredibly difficult thing to sell someone on a game in just one sentence. What are you meant to focus on, genre, specific mechanics, an interesting element of the story? There’s not a right answer! I’m not going to figure out a recipe for success right here and now, but what I can do is at least show you a single sentence that sold me on a game called Burden Street Station quite quickly: “A surreal, narrative adventure game where you shapeshift during conversations to uncover how God went missing.”

Read more

**Lego and Netflix Reveal Creel House Set for Stranger Things Season 5 Finale**

The much-awaited finale of Stranger Things season five is scheduled to debut on Netflix on New Year’s Eve. To commemorate this significant event, Lego and Netflix have teamed up with the creators of the cherished series to unveil a new Lego set inspired by the iconic Creel House, with a price tag of $300.

On December 2, Lego and Netflix officially revealed the launch of the intricate **Stranger Things**-themed set, which takes cues from the Creel House first showcased in season four. This eerie setting was not only the childhood residence of Henry Creel but also functioned as the stronghold for the formidable antagonist, Vecna. While the Creel House holds considerable relevance within the **Stranger Things** storyline, opinions vary regarding the value of a $300 haunted house Lego set.

The Creel House Lego set features a remarkable 2,593 pieces and comprises 13 minifigures that depict major characters from the series: Eleven, Will, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Steve, Nancy, Robin, Jonathan, Max, Holly, Mr. Whatsit, and Vecna. Furthermore, the set includes two vehicle builds and a multitude of Easter eggs that reference iconic moments from all seasons of **Stranger Things**. A notable aspect of this set is its capability to transform, unveiling an “interdimensional horror” below, making it the “first-ever transforming LEGO house.”

Creators Ross and Matt Duffer shared their enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We grew up obsessed with the LEGO brand, so witnessing Stranger Things reconstructed in bricks is honestly surreal. With the show heading into its final chapter — and reaching the 10-year milestone — bringing the Creel House to life this way feels like the perfect celebration of the world and the fans who made all of this possible.”

While numerous fans are excited about the intricate design and details of the house, some critics propose that a diorama of Hawkins or smaller sets depicting iconic scenes might have been a more attractive choice. Nonetheless, the Creel House set is filled with elaborate details and a diverse range of characters, making it a significant addition for dedicated collectors.

The Creel House Lego set will be available for purchase starting January 1, roughly 24 hours after the series finale airs. This raises speculation about possible spoilers that may be included within the set, as it aligns with the end of the treasured series. As fans gear up for the finale, **Stranger Things** Vol. 1 is currently streaming on Netflix, with Vol. 2 anticipated to release on December 25, leading towards the final episode on New Year’s Eve.

Ubisoft’s Splinter Cell remake has a new director who’s served as its director before. David Grivel has returned to Ubisoft and take up the role he left when he departed the company in 2022, not long after being tapped as the remake’s original director following its late 2021 announcement.

Read more

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has faced criticism for its recent initiatives to advertise the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through social media memes and trending videos, incorporating iconic visuals and music from well-known franchises like *Halo* and *Pokémon*. Detractors have contended that these marketing strategies trivialize significant concerns related to immigration enforcement, especially the agency’s contentious methods regarding the apprehension and deportation of vulnerable individuals.

Notably, a video shared by the White House showcased ICE agents making arrests accompanied by the tune of rising pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Juno.” This track features provocative lyrics that have been appropriated by the DHS within a context many consider distasteful and disconnected, leading to public outrage. Although Carpenter has gained recognition for her catchy pop melodies, she has also voiced strong disapproval of the administration’s use of her music to further what she regards as an inhumane agenda. In a sharp rebuke, Carpenter stated, “this video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”

Subsequently, the Trump Administration’s communications team responded with a statement that many viewed as cavalier and antagonistic. They emphasized their commitment to deporting individuals categorized as “illegal murderers, rapists, and pedophiles,” while data indicates that non-criminal arrests by ICE surged notably during this timeframe. This reply elicited additional criticism, as it appeared to seek a sanitization of the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement.

Furthermore, calls have emerged from Carpenter’s fanbase urging her to pursue legal action against the White House for the unauthorized use of her music. The debate amplifies the discussion regarding the intersection of art, social justice, and governmental action, particularly regarding how portrayals of serious issues can be commercialized and exploited, thereby undermining their significance.

As the conversation persists, the ramifications of employing popular culture in governmental communication remain a vital crossroads of ethics and public perception. This incident highlights the necessity for accountability in utilizing cultural products, especially in contexts involving state power and human rights.

Across a bounty of subgenres.

The post Best Horror Games On Itch.io – Weekly Updates appeared first on Gamezebo.

An online co-op mod for very French and very puppety soulslike Lies of P has been released in alpha form. As of writing, it’ll let you take on boss battles with a friend and its creators are hoping to offer full multplayer playthroughs similar to Elden Ring‘s brilliant seamless co-op mod further down the line.

Read more

**Bungie’s Marathon Plagiarism Controversy: Update on Resolution and Game Development**

Earlier in 2023, Bungie, the well-known video game developer, became caught up in a plagiarism scandal concerning its forthcoming extraction shooter, *Marathon*. The uproar began when it was revealed that the game included artwork that had been taken from online artist Antireal, without her permission or awareness. In light of public outrage, Bungie recognized the problem and offered an apology, blaming the fiasco on an error made by a previous employee.

As the controversy faded, five months later, Antireal used social media platform X to declare that the issue had been satisfactorily resolved with both Bungie and Sony Interactive Entertainment. This represented a notable shift after a time of quiet from both involved parties. In reaction to the scandal, Bungie pledged to perform a comprehensive review of all its assets to prevent similar issues in the future.

Although specifics of the resolution remain confidential, Antireal’s remarks indicate that she is pleased with the result. The scandal brought to light concerns about the integrity of creative processes within the gaming sector and emphasized the necessity of honoring the rights of original artists.

Regarding *Marathon*, the game’s early previews have not received the enthusiastic reaction many anticipated. The hero-based extraction shooter has had difficulty captivating both fans of Bungie’s earlier titles and supporters of the genre. In spite of the critiques, the artistic design of *Marathon* was initially celebrated as one of its most praised features. However, the controversy concerning the artwork overshadowed its visual accomplishments.

Bungie has been conducting private testing for the game, but fans are still looking forward to a confirmed release date following a prior delay earlier this year. Sony has stated that *Marathon* is anticipated to debut before April 2026, but particular information remains limited as development proceeds.

As the gaming community watches the future of *Marathon*, the resolution of the plagiarism issue highlights the significance of ethical practices in game creation and the continuously changing dynamics between creators and their sources of inspiration.

Its hunting season.

The post What Do Enemies Drop in The Forge – Loot Index! appeared first on Gamezebo.

Seems it’s a good day to be a Helldivers 2 player: in addition to the buff-happy Into the Unjust 5.0.0 patch that launched earlier, developers Arrowhead have shared an update on their efforts to shave down the co-op shooter’s mammoth install size. And it’s not so much a shaving as a fully fuelled chainsawing, high vis vests be damned. As the Steam post explains, there’s now a beta build, available to try, that cuts the 154GB game down to 23GB – a 131GB (!!!) reduction. That’s like surgically removing an entire Black Myth: Wukong that was growing out of its back.

Read more