“Wheel of Time Fans Demand Quality Over AI-Generated Content in Upcoming Projects”

Yesterday, it was announced that several new projects inspired by Robert Jordan’s fantasy epic, The Wheel of Time, are in the works. These initiatives are being developed by iwot Studios, the rights holder for the IP. The studio is teaming up with Thomas Vu, a producer known for his work on Arcane and a veteran from Riot Games’ League of Legends, along with Anthony Borquez’s media company, Initiate Entertainment.

Reactions from fans on social media have been mixed. Some are excited to see Jordan’s beloved series getting a fresh start after the cancellation of the Prime Video adaptation. However, others express concerns about iwot Studios collaborating with partners known for their use of AI technology. Borquez, for example, is the founder of Grab Games and co-founder of Grab Labs, a firm focused on AI development in entertainment and gaming.

Borquez will join forces with Vu, iwot Studios CEO Rick Selvage, and COO Larry Mondragon, both of whom were producers on Amazon’s The Wheel of Time. Together, they plan to create a new video game, an animated TV series, and animated feature films.

This isn’t the first time iwot Studios has engaged with AI advocates. Just last month, the studio announced a partnership with Framestore, a visual effects company, to develop an “AI-enabled platform” aimed at improving asset management across various projects.

The Amazon adaptation of The Wheel of Time lasted only three seasons before it was abruptly canceled due to financial difficulties and dwindling viewership. Some fans have noted that, at least, the show was a product of “beautiful human craftsmanship,” rather than AI.

While there’s no concrete evidence that AI will play a role in the production of the upcoming animated series, films, or video games, speculation is already swirling about whether Vu’s exclusive artwork shared recently is AI-generated. The willingness of iwot Studios to collaborate with AI-utilizing companies has left some fans apprehensive. Only time will reveal if their concerns are warranted.