Artificial Intelligence
Ongoing coverage on Artificial Intelligence.
Latest coverage
AI Yi-Yi!
A24 is defending its partnership with Google regarding AI technology, while OpenAI is previewing its next-generation model, GPT-5.6 Sol. Separately, The New York Times has criticized Microsoft for allegedly building a copyright-infringing supercomputer for OpenAI.
The 10 best games I played during Steam Next Fest: June 2026 edition
This article highlights ten notable games showcased during the June 2026 Steam Next Fest, featuring a diverse range of indie titles. Despite the overwhelming number of demos, the author found several promising games, including Moss: The Forgotten Relic, FISH, and GEPPY-X, maintaining optimism for the future of gaming.
Some Retailers Reportedly Spill The Tea On GTA 6 Gameplay Details
A leak originating from Amazon Brazil has reportedly revealed new gameplay details for Grand Theft Auto 6, including a massive map, unique protagonist abilities, and an integrated social media system. The article also touches on the game's pricing and the shift to digital-only releases, sparking discussion among fans.
AI Yi-Yi!
A study suggests that the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence may be negatively impacting video game sales. The article also touches on how a niche technology has become a choke point for AI development and mentions Newegg launching a new initiative.
Aura 15.0 Releases with New Features and Unlimited Usage for Unreal Engine and Unity
Ramen has released Aura 15.0, an update to its AI assistant for Unreal Engine and Unity game development, introducing features like Sandbox Mode, Aura Skills, and unlimited usage. The company also announced the acquisition of Flopperam, further enhancing its Unreal Engine capabilities, with Flopperam's co-founder Chris Gong joining Ramen as Senior AI Engineer.
GTA 6 takes aim at TikTok with a new social network where we'll apparently be able to follow influencers, get side missions, and maybe get famous?
Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature an integrated social network, inspired by platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where players can follow influencers and discover side missions. Retailer listings suggest NPCs will have AI-driven routines, creating organic events, and players can switch between protagonists Jason and Lucia in real-time. The game is set to release on November 19th for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.
The AI Players Living Inside a 23-Year-Old Real Cash Economy Have Started to Finding Their Own Purpose
Swedish studio MindArk has implemented autonomous AI avatars, called Synths, into its long-running MMO Entropia Universe, which features a real cash economy. Initially novices, these Synths have learned to perform various player activities like hunting, mining, trading, and exploring, even traveling vast distances and interacting socially with human players. MindArk has since granted Synths greater autonomy, allowing them to travel between planets, utilize vehicles, and engage in more complex in-game activities, effectively mirroring the capabilities of human players.
D&D and Magic owner Hasbro is reportedly trying to get child actors from Peppa Pig to sign away their voices to AI
Hasbro is reportedly attempting to secure AI voice rights from child actors, including those from Peppa Pig, according to an open letter from the Agents of Young Performers Association. The company has faced criticism for its handling of AI and labor practices, with the letter highlighting a 'take it or leave it' contract clause regarding AI usage.
California launches tracker for AI-related job losses
California has launched an AI job loss tracker in collaboration with the state's employment department. Governor Gavin Newsom initiated the tool to monitor the impact of artificial intelligence on the state's workforce.
Epic's Sweeney claims Steam AI labels are "really irresponsible of Valve"
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Valve's decision to label games on Steam that use AI, calling it "irresponsible" and detrimental to developers. Sweeney argued that AI tools enhance productivity and that the focus should be on the game's overall quality rather than the tools used to create assets.
Evening Reading - June 25, 2026
This article is a collection of various news items from June 25, 2026, including layoffs at Bungie, OpenAI's GPT-5.6 access policy, price increases for Xbox consoles and Apple products, and details about EVO 2026. It also touches on the perceived decline of Destiny 2 and mentions the CEO of Shacknews, Asif Khan.
AI Yi-Yi!
Anthropic has stated that Alibaba should face consequences for allegedly orchestrating the largest cloning attack on its AI model, Claude. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about AI security and intellectual property.
OpenAI GPT-5.6 access will be approved on a customer by customer basis by the Trump administration
The Trump administration has requested OpenAI to stagger the release of its new GPT-5.6 model, approving access on a customer-by-customer basis during the preview period. This decision comes amid ongoing concerns about artificial intelligence security and follows the White House's release of stricter AI guidelines. OpenAI and Microsoft are also facing a lawsuit from newspaper publishers over alleged copyright infringement.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Has NPCs Who Create Random Events and Real-Time Viral Videos, per Retail Listings
Retail listings for Grand Theft Auto 6 have revealed new gameplay details, including the ability to switch between protagonists Jason and Lucia, advanced NPC AI with unique routines generating random events, and real-time viral videos on social media that can lead to secret missions. The game is set to launch on November 19th for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.
Massively Overthinking: Under what conditions, if any, would you accept AI use in an MMORPG?
Industry figures discuss the conditions under which they would accept the use of generative AI in MMORPGs. While some see potential for AI in specific tasks like coding or placeholder assets, many express concerns about job displacement, reduced game quality, and a general loss of trust in studios that utilize the technology. The consensus leans towards AI being a net negative if it compromises human work or game integrity.
OpenAI will initially only release ChatGPT 5.6 to government-approved customers
OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT 5.6 will initially be available only to customers who have received government approval. This policy deviates from previous voluntary review processes.
As Steam Machine and Xbox are latest to fall to the RAMpocalpyse, Micron CEO says RAM shortages won't ease until…
Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra predicts that global RAM shortages, exacerbated by AI demand and economic factors, will persist until at least 2028, leading to continued price hikes for gaming hardware. This situation has already caused price increases for platforms like Steam Machine, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5, with future consoles like the PlayStation 6 and Xbox Project Helix expected to be significantly more expensive.
This Week in Switch 2 - Steam Machine price reaction, Star Fox review, and AI ruins everything again
This Week in Switch 2 covers reactions to the Steam Machine's price, a review of Star Fox, and general Nintendo news. The podcast also addresses the use of AI in content creation, with Shacknews staff confirming they do not use generative AI. CEO Asif Khan also shared his background and love for Nintendo.
After Confirming $80 Price For GTA 6 And Preorders, Take-Two Stock Is Predicted To Rip
Following the confirmation of Grand Theft Auto 6's $80 price point and the start of preorders, stock analysts have issued positive price targets for Take-Two Interactive. Despite a recent dip in stock value, analysts from Bank of America, BMO Capital, TD Cowen, B. Riley Securities, and BTIG predict significant gains, with some targets exceeding $300 per share. The article also touches on the game's November 19 release date for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and dismisses concerns about AI's impact on the company's business.
Apple (AAPL) stock drops on news of MacBook and iPad price increases
Apple's stock saw a six percent drop following the announcement of immediate price increases for its MacBook and iPad hardware. The company cited rising memory and storage costs, exacerbated by the expansion of AI data centers, as the reason for the hikes. CEO Tim Cook had previously warned that such increases were becoming unavoidable.
