Google releases prototype AI tool Project Genie that generates playable worlds, even if they contain copyrighted material

Google has started rolling out access to a prototype version of Project Genie, an AI tool that lets users generate their own playable worlds, raising significant concerns regarding the generation of copyrighted material.

The details:

• Using Genie, Google AI Ultra subscribers can now create worlds and their characters by either typing in prompts or uploading images. Users can also define various details that affect the gameplay experience, such as the player’s perspective and movement mechanics, and also include vehicles, allowing them to drive or fly around their new worlds.
• Genie creates the world in real time as the player moves around, adding elements as the camera position changes. You can also "remix" existing worlds, which allows users to modify a project's art style, gameplay, characters, and other aspects. However, Google has warned that the tool's functionality is still limited, with users only able to access a world for 60 seconds at a time.
• Unsurprisingly, the tool has already sparked concern and controversy, as some users have already started sharing videos of their creations that contain copyrighted characters from major AAA franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario, and Kingdom Hearts.