Amid the excitement leading up to the release of highly anticipated Spring 2024 anime works, “Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf” and “Kaiju No. 8,” a heated debate has erupted across social media.
Fans are particularly intrigued by the opening theme “Tabi no Yukue” performed by Hana Hope and the closing theme “Nobody” by OneRepublic, both of which have been creatively generated using artificial intelligence (AI), resulting in unique visuals.
This revelation has sparked significant discussions, particularly among fans of the AI industry, with many expressing concerns about the implications of utilizing AI for creative purposes, fearing it undermines the artistry inherent in traditional crafts. Numerous individuals are expressing disappointment and anxiety regarding the impact of this trend on the entertainment industry.
Creative industries on social media have reacted strongly, arguing that the extensive use of AI in production undermines not only the value of human labor but also negatively affects revenue and job opportunities for traditional artists. Some companies view these technologies merely as a means to cut costs, disregarding the unique value and creativity that human artists contribute to their works.
The debate raises crucial questions about balancing technological advancement and preserving the artistic integrity of human creators. While AI can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in producing visual content, it begs the question: how should artists value their work in this new landscape? Are we sacrificing quality and uniqueness for efficiency and cost-saving?
Below are some comments from netizens regarding this issue:
– This situation is truly disappointing. I can see that using AI in the production process is generally beneficial, but why is there such a disparity in the quality of results?
– The reality is that companies often rush to implement these tools to save money, and it becomes problematic if they fail to achieve satisfactory results 30% of the time. I think it’s essential for companies to utilize new technologies, but they should not ignore quality control in any form, as they primarily focus on saving costs.
– Imagine many talented individuals at Production IG and Studio Khara are currently working on “Kaiju No. 8” and are also beginning to use AI.
– I don’t have too much aversion towards AI like many others, but this situation is indeed quite troubling.
– So should I be happy or frustrated about all of this?
– What I don’t understand is what this debate is about? Why is AI even a topic? In general, AI could assist artists, and the visual content created by AI could serve as a starting point, leading to less time spent for artists to complete their works. Fundamentally, it allows for more effective work. Isn’t the goal of AI to make things easier? All you need to ensure is that the artistic works produced are “meaningful” and align with the required standards + adhere to the licensing laws. Moreover, the presence of AI doesn’t mean that traditional artistic works can no longer be created. Simply put, it will be executed less frequently and in a more appropriate context.
