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New AI image generating service in Japan stirs debate. Artists decry their work being used for AI art generation
RADIUS5 released their new AI-powered image generating service “mimic” in Japan. To use mimic, artists upload their own illustrations to be analyzed by the AI and the service generates new images with a similar style. A debate broke out among creators in Japan with RADIUS5 temporarily suspending the service on August 30, only a day after its release.
FromSoftware issues shares to SIE and a subsidiary of Tencent, aiming to make more IPs and self-publish their games globally
Elden Ring developer FromSoftware issues shares to SIE and a subsidiary of Tencent, aiming to make more IPs and self-publish their games globally. The shareholding ratio following the issuance will be Kadokawa with 69.66%, SIE with 14.09% and Sixjoy with 16.25%.
Zombie of the Dot is a new zombie RPG from 428: Shibuya Scramble’s Jiro Ishii
Kemco has announced Zombie of the Dot, a new RPG being planned and supervised by game creator Jiro Ishii and developed by Hit-Point. Zombie of the Dot looks to focus more on the dramatic aspect of zombie-related works like the human drama between survivors.
Japan’s local ordinance that limits gaming time for children ruled not unconstitutional
Japan: Kagawa Prefecture’s limit on gaming time for children ruled to not be in violation of human rights. In 2020, Kagawa Prefecture enacted an ordinance that restricted the time that games could be played by those under the age of 18, although there are no penalties for those who break the rules.
Wild Arms and Shadow Hearts creators launch their Kickstarter campaign after receiving no backing from publishers
A Kickstarter campaign for both Armed Fantasia, a new title from the creator of Wild Arms, and Penny Blood, a new title from the director behind Shadow Hearts, has begun. The campaign is already off to a strong start.
Editor’s choices
Non-gaming news
“Let’s meet again in hell” Japanese out-of-print manga archive Manga Library Z begrudgingly shuts down, but swears to be back
After having all of its payment options disabled, Manga Library Z officially shut down on November 26, but J-Comi promises to bring it back.
Indie games
Learn Japanese by taking photos in this cozy new game (Updated)
Shashingo: Learn Japanese with Photography is a fun new language learning game that helps you learn everyday Japanese by taking photos.
nintendo
Nintendo cracks down on Switch game piracy, seeking information disclosure from Google and Reddit to identify suspects
Nintendo of America hopes to gain information from 8 tech companies to identify individuals involved in Nintendo Switch game piracy.
