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‘It’s not just stardust.’ Musicians warn AI could erase artists’ livelihoods
Musicians brought their message straight to Capitol Hill, warning lawmakers that AI threatens artists’ voices, likenesses and livelihoods.
Sam Altman’s Orb Company Promoted a Bruno Mars Partnership That Doesn't Exist
“To be clear, we were never approached … nor were we in any discussions regarding a partnership or tour access,” a spokesperson for the artist tells WIRED.
Empire Strikes Back...By Helping to Save the Planet
Artists are turning scrap metal into unique works of art with help from Empire Recycling.
A Music Biopic Supply Crisis Is Looming
As Hollywood continues to roll out films about seemingly every A-list classic rock and hip-hop artist, it's fair to wonder who will be left.
The Universe Is Expanding Too Fast and Scientists Can’t Explain Why
The most precise measurement yet shows the Universe is expanding faster than expected, deepening the Hubble tension. The result hints that something may be missing from our current understanding of the cosmos.
Image: Barcelona finalise next artist for El Clasico shirt
Barcelona are once again blending football with global music culture, and this time, the spotlight is on Olivia Rodrigo.According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants have already decided the featur...
Madonna pleads for 'safe return' of vintage outfits that 'went missing' after Sabrina Carpenter Coachella performance
Madonna says she pulled her costumes from her "personal archives" and that "they are part of my history" as an artist.
NASA Shut Down Voyager 1 Science Instrument After Unexpected Power Drop
Engineers are working on a long-term plan to keep the iconic spacecraft alive.
NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft down to just two working science instruments
The iconic spacecraft launched nearly 49 years ago and is running perilously low on power
FSU's Art in STEM returns for 12th year highlighting the beauty and artistry of science
Florida State University’s Art in STEM event returns for its 12th annual exhibition showcasing the artwork of FSU students conducting research in science,
SM Entertainment executives named to Billboard's 2026 Women in Music list
SM Entertainment said two of its senior executives were named to Billboard’s 2026 Women in Music list in the labels, distributors and artist servic...
Photos: Inside ‘Camp Abundance’ with New Orleans artist Dawn DeDeaux ahead of Venice Biennale
See photos of New Orleans’ artist Dawn Dedeaux’s home in New Orleans’ Gentilly neighborhood.
Known in New Orleans, multimedia artist will take the world stage in Venice Biennale
For decades, the 73-year-old conceptual artist has been creating art that explores the universe’s most pressing questions. Now she’s preparing for what is arguably the contemporary art world’s most important show.
Branded pop-up events take center stage at Coachella
With a multitude of promotional events almost as long and diverse as its artist lineup, Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals in the world, is now an amusement park for influencers and a gold ...
Charlotte basket artist's work on display at Gaston museum
‘Woven with Purpose’ highlights Shakeeka Watts Brooks
Urban Entertainment Society ‘Rocks the World’ with its end of the year concert
The UES showcased the diverse talents of student artists at its end-of-year concert.
Science Central hosts World Art Day celebration
World Art Day is April 15. The global observation celebrates culture, creativity, and artistic expression worldwide.
Four UC Berkeley L&S professors win illustrious Guggenheim Fellowships
From Zora Neale Hurston to Jennifer Doudna, winners of the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship are known for artistic creations, scientific discoveries and groundbreaking scholarship that fundamentally
After the Live Nation monopoly verdict, artists say it's time for real change
Artists and organizers NPR spoke with say they don't expect to see any immediate changes in the live music industry following the Live Nation decision — but they see this is a first step in the right direction.
Over 1,000 Entertainment Figures — Including Gene Simmons and Amy Schumer — Reject Eurovision Israel Boycott
More than 1,000 artists have signed a letter rejecting Israel boycotts and pushing for the country's continued inclusion in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Once Dubbed ‘Toughest Babe in Business,’ Philanthropist Rides Around Hometown in ‘Sports Car’ Golf Cart and Helps Artists
"I never thought I'd come back," says Wall Street legend Darla Moore of returning to her hometown of Lake City, S.C.
Jordan Creek renewal project isolates downtown Springfield gallery
Fresh Gallery on Boonville Avenue downtown has seen foot traffic drop drastically since Renew Jordan Creek construction began, hurting local artists.
Community event highlights local artists, entertainment in Lima
A new community event, 419 Day, will bring live entertainment, vendors and artists to downtown Lima this Sunday. Organizers hope the event encourages residents to support local talent while enjoying
3 to See Art in Motion in Lake Worth; Norton exhibit; PB Symphony
Cultural Council for Palm Beach County recommends exploring new art exhibitions and a classical concert in Palm Beach County this week.
Scientists Stunned: A Giant Sea Creature Still Hides Unseen in the Ocean - Futura-Sciences
The Elusive Ghost of the Depths In the vast expanse of the world’s oceans, some species still manage to escape the all-seeing gaze of humankind. Among these slippery escape artists, one creature in particular consistently evades every scientific effort to observe it. In fact, scientists have never witnessed a single...
New head of the Kennedy Center tries to show that the building really needs a renovation
Trump's move to shutter the building for two years starting in July, which was approved by the board last month, has spurred lawsuits and an outcry that the closure is merely a response to plunging sales as artists canceled Kennedy Center performances in droves.
The Business of Resilience
Discover how resilience means building forward, not bouncing back. Explore JEFRË's monumental art and why celebrating living artists matters.
How Entertainment Exec Hassan Smith Built an Art Collection Championing Black Artists
Atlanta-based collector Hassan Smith, John Legend’s longtime advisor, approaches collecting art as a way to forge a legacy for his children.
BUILDERS OF MINNESOTA | Inside FairPlay Entertainment: How Matt Allen and Ryan Hayes Are Rebuilding Access, Dignity, and Creative Power in Minnesota
FairPlay Entertainment builds an affordable St. Paul studio expanding access, supporting diverse artists, and strengthening Minnesota’s music scene.
Seattle’s Union Arts Center names first permanent artistic director
Yuvika Tolani comes to the theater company, formed from the merger of ACT Contemporary Theatre and Seattle Shakespeare Company, with an unusual background.
Munson celebrates student accomplishments with exhibits
UTICA — Join Munson in celebrating the artistic accomplishments of their students at Pratt Munson College of Art and Design. Their work will be featured in two juried, mixed media
Follow the spark, choosing new Nashville artists to profile
As a Nashville music reporter, I meet emerging artists year-round. Here's how I decide which rising voices to follow.
The Universe is expanding too fast and scientists still can’t explain it
A major international effort has produced an ultra-precise measurement of the Universe’s expansion rate, confirming it’s faster than early-Universe models predict. By linking multiple distance-measuring techniques, scientists ruled out simple errors as the cause of the discrepancy. The persistent “Hubble tension” now looks more real than ever. It could mean our current model of the cosmos is incomplete.
Musicians and music lovers flock to Little River’s Star Tavern
There’s a small blue and red building that sits back from a busy highway in Little River, that one regular customer describes as an “artistic mecca” for musicians. And it is flourishing under Ron Johnson's leadership.
The sports stars, hip-hop artists, and celebrity magicians playing a role in pending Supreme Court petitions
During oral argument in January on an Idaho law barring transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports, Justice Sonia Sotomayor briefly reflected on the spotlight that comes with […]
Oregon Health Authority says tattoo artists can’t use topical numbing creams, sprays
The Health Licensing Office issued a practice clarification affecting all tattoo artists in Oregon, stating that the use of topical anesthetics is prohibited and always has been.
Note to Colorado lawmakers — parents protecting kids isn’t abuse, it’s their job
By Matt Sharp and Sharon Supp During the last few years, the U.S. Supreme Court has made at least one thing clear: Colorado is consistently overreaching to apply its laws in unconstitutional ways. Colorado treated a cake artist with hostility because of his religious beliefs in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The state […]
ArtsGala to showcase Wright State students’ artistic growth with elegant entertainment extravaganza
Wright State ArtsGala returns Saturday, April 11, in the Creative Arts Center, offering an evening of performances, fine dining and a silent auction to support student scholarships in theatre, dance, music, motion pictures and visual art. Continue reading →
Samson Dev: DLSS 5 Needs Full Pipeline Integration & Broad Hardware Support to Be Viable
Samson dev Liquid Swords explains what DLSS 5 needs: pipeline integration, broad hardware support, and artistic control over character visuals
Inside Huntington’s growing music & entertainment scene
Within the past decade, Huntington has drastically improved its music and entertainment scene. Growth of live music locales like The Loud, 9th Street Live and summer concert series provide exposure and experience to local artists. This change has opened new doors for Huntington musicians, especially Marshall students looking to launch a music career. One live...
Live Entertainment Platform Launches Culture Investment Program To Support African Talent
TMG will launch a global talent management division representing African and diaspora artists across various creative verticals.
Lil Nas X granted mental health diversion that could lead to dropped charges in police assault case
A judge said the charges could be dismissed if the Grammy-winning artist completes a mental health diversion program and doesn't break the law for the next two years.
Country artists Big & Rich to headline Coralville 4thFest
Country music duo Big & Rich will headline a free concert at Coralville’s 4thFest on July 3, 2026, with special guest KC Bruner. The concert is open to all ages.
What farmers can learn from other family business owners
Family farm businesses can adopt strategies learned from enterprises of all sizes to strengthen governance, leadership and succession planning.
Ten To Leave SM Entertainment But Remain With NCT And WayV
After 10 years since his debut with NCT, Thai artist Ten exits exclusive contract with SM Entertainment, but will remain part of NCT and WayV.
The university is trading its liberal arts identity for science
The university is betraying its artistic reputation and making a move toward science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Head to Key City in April to enjoy live rooftop music
VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — April is bringing the vibes to the rooftop! Join the group at Key City Rooftop for a month of great music featuring talented local and regional artists. Whether you want to sit back and enjoy the sounds or jump in and be part of the action, Key City has you covered—bring your […]
Munson Healthcare announces Voices winners for Food Access
Munson Healthcare announced 2026 Voices for Community Health winners, with artists directing $1,000 donations to local food pantries.
Chris Cagle brings country hits to Hard Rock Tulsa May 8
TULSA – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa will welcome the electrifying country music artist Chris Cagle at 8 p.m., Friday, May 8, at Hard Rock Live inside the casino.
Zach Bryan 'forced' to cancel Oklahoma show over safety concerns
Zach Bryan says he was forced by his team to cancel his Tulsa concert due to dangerous weather, sparking mixed reactions from fans and fellow artists.
Ye attempts a comeback with sold-out LA-area concert, support from Lauryn Hill
The artist formerly and possibly again known as Kanye West reveled in support from one of his musical idols, Lauryn Hill, as he staged a sold-out Southern California concert meant to mark a comeback...
Ye attempts a comeback with sold-out LA-area concert, support from Lauryn Hill
The artist formerly and possibly again known as Kanye West reveled in support from one of his musical idols, Lauryn Hill, as he staged a sold-out Southern California concert meant to mark a comeback from years of controversy.
William Staggers on music, creativity, and Staggers Music Entertainment
William Staggers joins us to share his story of writing and arranging his own songs, building a creative space for other artists, and the work he is doing through Staggers Music Entertainment to in…
Pure entertainment now streaming in Women’s Storytelling Festival
The annual celebration of diverse spoken-word artists is available online until April 28, and ticket sales close April 8.
T-RAN Gilbert Named TN Music & Entertainment Ambassador
Gospel artist, producer and community leader Terran “T-RAN” Gilbert has been appointed as an [...]
Artists' Cooperative to host 31st annual 'Regional Art Exhibit'
WESTERLY — Peter Geisser, former art director at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, is serving as guest juror for The Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly's annual "Regional Art
New SAMMYs director has ideas on how Syracuse artists can thrive in cutthroat industry
The Syracuse Area Music Awards has new leadership after 35 years.
Williamston’s ‘Bad Books’ gives nuance to polarizing politics
As artistic director and co-founder of Williamston Theatre, Tony Caselli knows how it feels when material is met by backlash from the community. When Williamston put on an updated version of “Dial …
Paul McCartney headlining Apple’s 50th anniversary bash at Apple Park tonight
Paul McCartney is officially set to perform at Apple Park in celebration of Apple’s 50th anniversary. The legendary artist was...
Puerto Rican Star Farruko Signs Co-Management Deal With WK Entertainment, Massivo Entertainment
Farruko, an influential, versatile Latin artist known for his urban and pop sensibilities, signed with Walter Kolm Entertainment and Massivo Entertainment for
'Pieced Together': Art show features traditional, unique quilt designs
A new exhibit called “Pieced Together” at Skull City Studio showcases 28 quilts by 14 artists, blending traditional American quilting with diverse and lesser-known styles to highlight the craft’s creativity
Artists Association names new gallery director
(March 30, 2026) The Artists Association of Nantucket this week announced the hiring of Miranda Holmes as its new gallery director of the Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery on
Highlights! Itauma Erases Franklin With Vicious Uppercut
Rising boxing sensation Moses Itauma was back in action earlier today (Sat., March 28, 2026), as the undefeated (14-0) Heavyweight knockout artist took on Jermaine Franklin inside Co-Op Live in Manchester, England. Known for finishing his foes early — with 12 of his knockouts coming in under three rounds, eight in the first — it […]
Seattle Art Museum considers influences of celebrated Northwest Mystics
The Seattle Art Museum exhibit "Beyond Mysticism" traces the pulsating throughline that connects artists from the midcentury to the city’s contemporary artists.
Giant horn speakers, a Bluesound streamer, and Bryston power amps: inside the new Spotify Listening Lounge designed to showcase lossless audio
Spotify's dedicated Listening Lounge in London features a spectacular sound system for "deeper, intentional listening sessions" for artists and fans
Three to give art talks at UC Davis
Three visionaries share their insight into their art at UC Davis this April. The California Studio: Manetti Shrem Artist Residencies at UC Davis explores the world of art through two
LA Artisteada podcast’s live ‘Take the Stage’ celebrates female artists
This Sunday, March 29, LA Artisteada, a podcast dedicated to spotlighting a wide range of artistic voices, will host “Take the Stage”, a live event creating space for women of
Opinion: Celebrity Artists Should Engage More With Politics
Celebrity artists have become increasingly involved in political and social action in the past several months. Perspectives Staff Writer Alyssa Hunnicutt argues celebrities should continue to engage more with social and political activism with the intention to benefit their audiences.
Turning science into art: Undergraduate course encourages creativity, risk-taking
From anatomical portraits to water lilies, science has been brought to life through paintings, sketches and sculptures for centuries. Leonardo Da Vinci wasn’t only an artist, he was also a botanist and an engineer. And before cameras, scientists relied on their own sketches to communicate their observations. University of Maine…
AAN Art from the Schools at Johnson Gallery
The Artists Association of Nantucket kicked off its annual Art from the Schools exhibition of work by island students in grades six-12 with an opening reception and the presentation of
Glass Threads Spun From a Volcano’s Bubbly Magma
A volcanic formation known as Pele’s hair is produced when air-filled magma is stretched, according to a new study by a team of scientists and glass artists.
Cone Health Unveils Healing Art at The Resurgent
"Carolina Folks" at The Resurgent is by North Carolina born artist Ransome.
Balen Shah’s political rise in Nepal reflects a broader shift after youth-led protests
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Balendra Shah, a structural engineer who rose to fame as a rap artist before becoming Kathmandu’s mayor, is poised to become Nepal’s next prime minister, after his party swe…
The Grant Wood Studio and Armstrong Visitor Center to reopen in April
Explore where artist Grant Wood painted some of his most famous artwork, including “American Gothic,” at his former studio. Reopening April 11, The Grant Wood Studio and Armstrong Visitor Center provides an enriching, artistic experience to visitors for free.
An Artist Lecture and a ‘Science on Screen’ Film Series: 4 Arts Picks for Your Week
Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.
State of Tennessee Honors Gospel Artist T-RAN as Ambassador of Music & Entertainment
Nashville, TN — Gospel recording artist, producer, and creative visionary Terran “T-RAN” Gilbert has been officially honored with a state resolution from the Tennessee House of Representatives, recognizing his outstanding contributions to music, culture, and community impact. As part of this distinction, he has been formally recognized as an Ambassador of the Music and Entertainment
Top law schools for entertainment law
Entertainment law sits at the crossroads of creativity, commerce and intellectual property. Lawyers in this field navigate fast-moving industries shaped by technology, global markets and evolving business models, often working closely with artists, studios, leagues and media companies.
Exclusive | Domain Capital Raises $768 Million Fund to Tap Surging Entertainment Demand
The firm is expanding its entertainment investments with a new artist-management venture and financing agreements with major studios.
Winners of Science Playwriting Competition Showcased April 15 at Simons Center
The Stony Brook University Science Playwriting Competition brings the sciences and humanities closer together, providing an outlet for scientists and playwrights to venture beyond their normal modes of thinking, spark their imaginations and create new experiences. Rooted in artistic expression, the best science plays can be exceptional works of art that convey scientific concepts aesthetically, potentially
New Latino-focused market to celebrate Sonoma County businesses, artists
Agueda Ulloa said of Mercado Rosa, “It aligns with our values of bringing community together, just to have that third space for the community to walk around, to see new things and connect with other businesses.”
How Bad Bunny and his label brought the world to Puerto Rico for his historic residency
Rimas Entertainment, Bad Bunny's longtime label, turned the artist's 31 shows in San Juan into a major boon for the island.
Thousands in taxpayer funds spent on horse, hair and makeup expenses for Kristi Noem’s Mount Rushmore ad
Tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars were spent on expenses for hair and makeup artists and a horse for the advertisement showcasing outgoing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in front of Mount Rushmore, according to invoices seen by CNN.
This Web Tool Sabotages AI Chatbots By Making Them Really, Really Slow
Artist Sam Lavigne created ‘Slow LLM’ to make people question their dependence on tools like Claude and ChatGPT. Or at least, make them super annoying to use.
Scientists Trap Light in a Layer 1,000x Thinner Than a Hair
Scientists have found a way to trap light in an extremely thin layer, potentially reshaping how future photonic devices are built.
Oscar-Winning Alumnus Returns to Pasadena’s ArtCenter for Entertainment Design Expo
One week after winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, KPop Demon Hunters co-director Chris Appelhans returns today to ArtCenter College of Design, the Pasadena campus where he studied illustration, for the college’s third annual Entertainment Design Expo. The expo, known as ENTX, opens the Hillside Campus to the public for a full day of gallery exhibitions, game playtesting, animation screenings and interactive experiences featuring work from more than 200 ArtCenter students and alumni. General admission is free with advance registration. Two industry panels — including Appelhans’s talk — require $15 tickets. Appelhans, who graduated from ArtCenter with a bachelor of fine arts in 2002, co-directed KPop Demon Hunters with Maggie Kang. The animated film, produced by Sony Pictures Animation and released on Netflix, became the streaming platform’s most-watched film in history, according to Netflix, and swept awards season with wins at the Golden Globes, the Annie Awards and the Grammys before taking the Oscar on March 15. His talk and audience Q&A is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. in the Ahmanson Auditorium. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. The film’s ArtCenter ties extend beyond its co-director. Art director Angela Sung, cinematographer Gary H. Lee, visual development artist Celine Kim and painter Simon Baek are all ArtCenter graduates who worked on the production, according to the college. The free portions of ENTX include a concept design showcase, a production design gallery, a model gallery, a stop motion studio preview, an alumni gallery and a KPop Demon Hunters fan art gallery. Visitors can also playtest games designed by ArtCenter students. An Animation Shorts Showcase runs from 2 to 3 p.m. and includes “Boy, I’m Scared,” a capstone short by ArtCenter graduate Lindsey Tenaglia that was named a semifinalist for the 2025 Student Academy Awards in the animation category. Also screening
City of Santa Barbara Seeks Nominations for 2026 Business in Art Award
Nominations are now open for the 2026 City of Santa Barbara Business in Art Award, for local businesses that support artists
Paul Freud on using art to understand wars and politics
The London-based artist and great-grandson of Sigmund Freud discusses forging his own artistic language and finding inspiration in global conflict.
Chuck Norris, 'Walker, Texas Ranger' star and martial artist, dies at 86
The "Walker, Texas Ranger" star reportedly had an undisclosed medical emergency on the island of Kauai.
Markiplier to Microdramas: The Ankler x NAB Show’s Future of Entertainment
Share Subscribe Vegas, baby! The Ankler is heading back to NAB Show for a second year in a row — and doubling down on conversations with the smartest people in the industry. From April 18–22, we’re partnering again with the industry’s biggest media and tech gathering to break down the Business of Media and Entertainment as it’s actually evolving: faster, riskier and increasingly driven by new formats, new audiences and new power players. This curated series will bring together top creators, executives and innovators to tackle the forces reshaping the industry — from the AI disruption of Hollywood’s creative ecosystem to the rise of the creator economy, shifting audience behavior and the changing economics of production. We’ll be rolling out more programming in the coming weeks — including top speakers from leading AI studios, prediction markets and beyond — so keep an eye on the Business of Media and Entertainment hub. But first up, we’re announcing two panels about what’s actually working in Hollywood: The Scary-Smart Business of Horror A good scare has become one of the entertainment economy’s most reliable engines. With disciplined budgets, built-in fandoms and global box office upside, horror consistently outperforms. From theatrical releases to streaming-first originals and creator-driven IP, the genre is artistically flexible and financially durable — and one of the last truly communal experiences for Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences. Join YouTube creator Mark Fischbach, aka Markiplier, whose independent feature Iron Lung earned more than $50 million at the global box office, Atomic Monster president Michael Clear and screenwriter Akela Cooper (M3GAN, Malignant) for a conversation moderated by Like & Subscribe’s Natalie Jarvey about why horror travels so effectively across platforms and borders, how studios and independents are building sustainable genre pipelines and why the next wave of breakout franchises may emerge from unexpected sources. Inside the Microdrama Boom Short-form serialized storytelling is having a major moment. Microdramas, social-native series and creator-led narratives are capturing massive audiences with low-cost, rapid production cycles and direct-to-fan distribution. What was once dismissed as niche or experimental is now attracting major platform investment. Moderated by Jarvey, this panel of microdrama creators and executives — including one of the format’s top stars and producers, Kasey Esser, and Dhar Mann Studios’ head of vertical content, Erin McFarlane — examines how format innovation, fandom dynamics and algorithmic discovery are reshaping the economics of scripted storytelling and what traditional studios can learn from these agile models. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Lynne@theankler.com Share
New dispute emerges around Subnautica 2’s early access release
Lawyers for the ousted—and now partially reinstated—leadership team of Unknown Worlds, the studio behind Subnautica 2, are crying foul over news that the game will be released into early access in May. The release announcement earlier this week was made improperly, potentially “damaging the game and sowing additional confusion among the Subnautica community,” the lawyers said in a letter sent on Tuesday to Vice Chancellor Lori Will of Delaware’s Court of Chancery. In their letter, the lawyers also floated the idea of asking Will to find Krafton in contempt of the court’s ruling. The letter was sent just one day after Will’s bombshell ruling that publisher Krafton had breached its contract with Unknown Worlds’ executive team, when it fired them last June. The new issue isn’t necessarily the May early access timeframe, but how the news was announced. The letter and Krafton’s response have not been previously reported. A quick recap of prior events: Subnautica 2 is an unreleased, underwater survival adventure and the most-wishlisted game on Steam. Last year, longtime Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill, along with studio co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, were fired by Krafton. They swiftly sued, saying the publisher had terminated them to avoid paying out up to $250 million in potential performance-based bonuses. The studio leaders had hoped to earn that with an early access release of the game, which Krafton had blocked. The publisher argued in court that Subnautica 2 wasn’t ready, which the ousted execs disputed. On Monday, Will ruled that Krafton had violated its contract, firing the execs to avoid the performance payouts, and that it had to reinstate Gill and give him full authority over any early access release for Subnautica 2. On Tuesday, IGN reported on a new memo issued that day to Unknown Worlds staff by Steve Papoutsis, the executive Krafton had put in charge of Unknown Worlds after the 2025 firings. In the note, Papoutsis said that Subnautica 2 had passed a key development milestone “last week” and that he and Krafton had determined the game “is ready for Early Access release in May.” This news appeared to catch the lawyers for Gill, Cleveland and McGuire by surprise. On Tuesday night, they sent a letter to Will expressing “serious concerns” about whether it would be possible to forge an agreement with Krafton consistent with the judge’s order. Papoutsis’ memo was a problem, they wrote. He didn’t have the authority to declare anything about Subnautica 2’s release. As of 9am ET on Monday, March 16, the effective date of Will’s order, Papoutsis wasn’t CEO of Unknown Worlds. Gill was. And, per Will’s order, only Gill could make Subnautica 2 release decisions. They continued: Krafton self-servingly announced the launch without any regard to its impact on the game, the team, or the community—let alone this Court’s Opinion. Announcing the release of a game is momentous, and it is typically accompanied by significant marketing activity, fanfare, and community coordination. And most importantly, the announcement is carefully designed to maximize excitement for the game. That entire process was supposed to be driven by Mr. Gill. However, in defiance of the Court’s Opinion, Krafton has now taken that away, further damaging the game and sowing additional confusion among the Subnautica community. The lawyers speculated that Krafton had “intentionally leaked” Papoutsis’ memo and then issued an official statement to confirm the leak. Game File is a reader-supported publication. My reporting is only possible through support from readers like you. To support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe On Wednesday, lawyers for Krafton defended their client in their own letter to vice chancellor Will, saying nothing they did violated her order nor showed contempt: Papoutsis’s message was simply celebrating the UW employees’ efforts toward a past event: Krafton’s pre-Opinion determination that Subnautica 2 was ready for Early Access release. There was nothing improper about conveying the results of the milestone review or thanking the development team for their dedication and talent. They added that Gill could still make his own call about Subnautica 2’s release: In his role as CEO, Gill will be able to assess independently his views on the state of Subnautica 2 and the appropriate release schedule; nothing in Papoutsis’s message alters Gill’s authority or discretion. Vice chancellor Will has not responded to the letters and doesn’t necessarily have to. Both parties were previously ordered by Will to confer this week and submit a proposed judgment consistent with her ruling. The letter from Gill’s attorney’s this week doesn’t indicate whether he would or would not support a May release for Subnautica 2. But it could limit his options. And, if Gill’s lawyers are right, the lack of marketing fanfare around the leak of the May date could dull the launch of the game. Any harm to Subnautica 2’s launch is an extra sensitive issue given the context of the legal dispute: millions of dollars of payouts are on the line, tethered to the scale of the game’s initial performance. In her ruling on Monday, Will noted that there was obvious “bad blood” between Gill’s side and Krafton but that the two would need to work together: “They can—and must—act in good faith to navigate their remaining contractual relationship.” Item 2: A new kind of couch co-op game A highlight of GDC each year is the Alt.Ctrl showcase that features games played with extremely experimental controllers. Perusing this year’s offerings last Friday, I found a game controlled with giant scissors, another with big toothbrushes and one that amounted to dumpster diving. My favorite was Pivot, a co-op game about collectively maneuvering a couch. It was developed by students at the University of Utah’s masters of arts and engineering games program. Players lift and tilt the physical couch in order to control the position of a virtual one. That virtual one is moving through an obstacle course on-screen, while being pursued by a giant skull. Developer Nishant Verma told me at GDC that the couch is made of styrofoam (this became more evident as I watched!) and that the name was a riff on an episode of the sitcom Friends. Item 3: In brief… 🚫 Ubisoft is laying off more than 100 workers at its Red Storm studio, as the North Carolina location known for decades for its Tom Clancy games, ceases in-house game development, VGC reports. 👀 On Monday, Nvidia’s revealed its DLSS 5 AI-driven graphics technology that purports to improve game graphics… and it has been roasted about it by the media and the online gaming public for the remainder of the week. The tech changed the faces of characters in footage from Resident Evil Requiem, Hogwarts Legacy and EA Sports FC, drawing accusations of giving carefully art-directed games the generic look of AI “slop.” Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had said on Monday that “DLSS 5 is the GPT moment for graphics—blending handcrafted rendering with generative AI to deliver a dramatic leap in visual realism while preserving the control artists need for creative expression.” By mid-week, Huang was telling Tom’s Hardware that the new tech’s critics were “completely wrong” because game-makers could still “fine-tune the generative AI” to suit their game’s aesthetics.
Art in Public Places
Art in Public Places (AIPP) is the City of Austin’s public art program. Administered through Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment, AIPP commissions visual artists to create site-specific artworks that reflect Austin's communities.
Adobe’s AI image generator can now be trained on your own art
And maybe on other artists too.
What sports can teach us about Houston: Black Houston(s) Symposium returns to Rice
The fourth annual event will take place over March 26-27, bringing scholars, athletes, artists and community members together to examine sports as a social and cultural force.
What Business Leaders Can Learn From A Symphony Orchestra
How Montreal Symphony Orchestra leaders balance artistic excellence and business strategy, offering lessons in leadership, innovation and audience growth.
Game Developers "Found Out At the Same Time as the Public" About NVIDIA DLSS 5
Much has been said about NVIDIA's recent DLSS 5 announcement, with many criticisms of the tech stemming from how the neural rendering potentially alters the artistic vision and tone of the game. While NVIDIA insists that developers remain in full control, and that the game studios were involved in c...
Nvidia CEO says critics are "completely wrong" about DLSS 5 technology
Following concerns that upscaling feature detracts from creative expression, Jensen Huang says it "doesn't change artistic control"
Artists, vendors frustrated over payment issues from Colchester business
A number of artists and vendors are frustrated by late or missing payments from a Colchester business that sells their creations. They’re wondering what’s going on. For Kristy Hughes, creating beautiful art is a passion. “I do crystals and resin, and resin takes 24 hours to cure. So, each piece is days of work,” she said. Her business, Purple Goddess…
CERN Discovers New Particle After Upgrading Large Hadron Collider
The proton's doubly charming cousin.
CERN Discovers New Particle After Upgrading Large Hadron Collider
The proton's doubly charming cousin.
Nvidia’s AI-Powered Photorealistic Gaming Technology Roasted As ‘AI Slop’
Nvidia promised its new technology is a “dramatic leap in visual realism,” though gamers voiced fears it will diminish the artistic appearance of video games.