I wasn't sure if this petition would even get off the ground, but the fact that we're here is proof enough that there is definitely a call for better product transparency with video games when it comes to Live Service and AI job replacements.

Since we started this adventurer, I've had a couple of very enlightening conversations.

[Could the ESRB actually help with AI?]

I had a convo on Facebook with a concerned individual, who did not believe the ESRB would be adequately equipped to tackle the AI replacement issue. To much extent, I agreed. It's very likely that the ESRB will only care about the content that is in a game rather than how that content was created. Regardless, I still believe it's an effort worth having even if all we get on that side of the battle is an earnest conversation. It may illuminate a means of tackling the issue another way should the ESRB and their equivalents prove unwilling to adapt to the issue. 

[A Brief Conversation with a Game Dev]

Another moment worth sharing is a brief conversation I had with a game dev (who will remain anonymous for obvious reasons).

Their statement: "It's still difficult to assess the full extent and impact that AI will have in all spheres of our society. It seems immeasurable at the moment. AI is evolving at an exponential speed and its practical applications are constantly multiplying. We live in the 'future'!! Science fiction is now and the word 'fiction' has become reality... Where will the limit be? Is there a limit? As you say in your video, there will be winners and losers, it's inevitable! With such potential, miracles but also abominations are also to be expected!

In my video game company, we use AI but above all as a tool to accelerate certain processes. But humans always remain at the heart of our production. We are not going to sell a product made directly by AI. AI will not completely replace humans here for the moment. At least, it is not planned for the next 5-6 years.

Then, who can say what will happen...? I don't think anyone can imagine it yet. If the internet was a revolutionary atomic bomb, AI will have the effect of a supernova!! We are changing eras and we will see it in our lifetime! It makes you think..."

It's good to know that there are still those that are not entirely blinded by the promise of AI and will hold true to the fact that AI is a tool to be used. Not a replacement for actual creative minds. What they say is true. We're facing a changing of eras and we should prepare accordingly. On a personal note, it's nice that as a game design student, there's still people that hold to this standard.

[Warner Bros is preparing another DC Live Service Game]

Despite the lackluster successes and outright failures of previous live service titles, Warner Bros is apparently working on a new DC live service game. While I hope for the best and wish the best for all involved, I can't help but to expect for this to lead to more job losses and more money being burned out peoples' wallets.

It is unknown as to what this DC live service game actually is, only that it's part of the DC franchise and it is being developed with live service integration per an Executive Producer job posting.

[Online Safety Act]

The UK, US, and Australia have passed, are passing, or planning to pass laws similar to the Online Safety Act. This is pushed forward by the rhetoric of child safety and consumer protections. However, the action of these types of laws including banning platforms such as YouTube for people under a certain age (as is the case in Australia) and the use of VPNs, which protect people from cybercrime. The goal seems to be about topic censorship and government oversight rather than actual protection.

I'm not entirely sure how this is going to impact this movement specifically, but it's something I have my eye on just in case. Should it develop into a specific issue, I will post an update about it.

[Thank you for 25!]

We're off to a good start, but we're far from done. Share this petition with your friends, family, co-workers. Especially anyone that's been burned by live service. If our governments are so concerned about consumer and child protections, then perhaps that's an angle we can use to leverage off of. We need more leverage though.

Thank you and be safe, be well, be kind. Until next time.