SPYxFAMILY Anime Studio Using AI Art...

Introduction

Recently, Netflix Japan dropped a video from Wit Studio that garnered over 2 million views. The excitement quickly turned to controversy when viewers read the latter half of the caption: "As an experimental effort to help the anime industry which has a labor shortage, we use image generation technology for the background images." This statement left many fans and industry watchers baffled and dismayed.

Background

The anime industry's labor shortages have been an ongoing issue, often linked to overwork and poor working conditions in various studios. For instance, studios like MAPPA have been criticized for taking on increasingly large numbers of anime projects, exacerbating work stress and leading to unideal work environments. These conditions have contributed significantly to the labor shortages the industry now faces.

Controversy

Wit Studio's decision to use AI art for the background images in their latest project is seen as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is portrayed as a solution to the labor shortage problem; on the other hand, it feels like a slap in the face to animators who have been struggling under poor conditions. The use of AI-generated art, especially when it renders iconic imagery like Mount Fuji poorly, did not sit well with the fandom.

Backlash

The final insult came in the end credits, where the background designer was credited as "AI + human," which many perceived as a big middle finger to the creative professionals in the industry.

Keywords

• Netflix Japan
• Wit Studio
• Anime industry
• Labor shortage
• AI art
• MAPPA
• Work conditions

FAQ

1. What sparked the controversy involving Wit Studio and Netflix Japan? The controversy began when Netflix Japan released a video from Wit Studio, revealing the use of AI art for background images as a solution to the anime industry's labor shortages.

2. Why are people upset about the use of AI art in anime? Many believe the industry's poor work conditions, created by studios taking on excessive projects, have led to labor shortages. Using AI art is seen as ignoring the root causes and instead further marginalizing human animators.

3. What was particularly criticized about the AI-generated content? The AI-rendered background images, including a poorly depicted Mount Fuji, received significant criticism for lack of quality and emotional depth.

4. How did Wit Studio credit the artists in this project? Wit Studio credited the background designer as "AI + human," which many viewed as an additional insult to the animators and artists in the industry.