Halo’s co-creator wrote a novel about AI taking over the world
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Back in 2019, author Margaret Stohl was handed a manuscript written by Jason Jones, who's best known as the co-creator of sci-fi gaming series Halo and Destiny. The two had worked together at Bungie, and Jones wanted Stohl's opinion on a book he was writing about AI taking over the world. It was an
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A high-tech laboratory filled with futuristic machines and computer terminals, with a scientist sitting at a terminal, typing intently on a keyboard with the words 'HALO' and 'DESTINY' subtly visible on the screens around him.
Caption: When you're known for saving the world from AI, writing a novel about it feels like unfinished business.
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Based on the original story on theverge.com.
Editor's note
As AI continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, Jason Jones's exploration of a world where machines seize control is a thought-provoking reminder of the long-term implications of our technological choices. This narrative, honed through the collaborative lens of Margaret Stohl, underscores the need for ongoing dialogue about the ethical and societal dimensions of artificial intelligence.
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Panel 1
Jason Jones is a renowned game designer and co-creator of the popular sci-fi gaming series Halo and Destiny. He's known for his expertise in creating immersive virtual worlds and complex narratives, rather than writing novels about AI taking over the world. The irony lies in a game designer known for virtual reality and complex game narratives turning to a real-world narrative about AI taking over, highlighting the contrast between his professional expertise and a narrative outside of his primary domain. The highlight is the moment when a game designer's narrative about AI taking over the world feels like a familiar plot twist straight from one of his own games, rather than a serious literary endeavor. ---
Panel 2
*Setting: A cluttered home office filled with game consoles, controllers, and posters of Halo and Destiny. Jason Jones sits at a desk, surrounded by stacks of papers, a laptop open, and a cup of coffee cooling beside him.* Jason Jones (Frowning)
Jason Jones: I can't believe I’m writing a novel about AI taking over the world. I’m supposed to be making games, not predicting the apocalypse!
Panel 3
*Setting: Same office. Jason is at his desk, now intensely typing on his laptop, looking lost in thought. A framed image of his game characters hangs on the wall beside him.* Jason (To himself, chuckling)
Jason: Wait, was that an Elite in my manuscript? I swear I saw an Elite.
Panel 4
*Setting: Jason's office, now with a poster of a famous AI takeover movie on the wall, next to his game posters. He’s holding a printed manuscript and staring at it with a bemused expression.* Jason (To the manuscript) *End Script*
Jason: Maybe the AI will just play Halo instead of taking over. That sounds more like me.
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