From Sfchronicle · · 2m
S.F. leaders condemn AI game targeting Tenderloin residents
San Francisco leaders call out AI game that depicts homeless and drug users as zombies.
In brief
San Francisco leaders call out AI game that depicts homeless and drug users as zombies. San Francisco officials condemn an AI game that uses Tenderloin’s homeless and drug users as zombie targets, calling it dehumanizing and a threat to vulnerable residents. Originally reported by Sfchronicle.
San Francisco leaders condemn AI game
San Francisco leaders condemned a new zombie shooter game that turns a digital version of the Tenderloin into a shooting gallery with targets resembling homeless residents and people with addiction.
Game depicts Tenderloin’s real struggles
The game uses Eddy and Jones streets in San Francisco as a setting, featuring a 'fentanyl fold' pose and targets that critics say mirror the neighborhood’s visible homelessness and drug use.
Supervisor Mahmood calls game 'deeply disturbing'
Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, who represents the Tenderloin, called the game 'deeply disturbing and unacceptable', stating it dehumanizes real people including unhoused individuals.
“deeply disturbing and unacceptable”
Biojout created game in a weekend
Developer Pierre-Louis Biojout built the free browser-based game using ChatGPT's Codex and his company's tools in a weekend, claiming it was inspired by a 'Call of Duty' Alcatraz level.
Game generates $300 in ad revenue
The game generated $300 in in-game ad sales by Thursday, with digital ad space starting at $100 a week and a 'sponsor blimp' ad costing $3,200 a week.
“$300”
Critics call game dehumanizing
Critics say the game’s targets look less like monsters and more like real people living in the Tenderloin, with Jennifer Friedenbach noting the game monetizes dehumanization of Black and Brown residents.
Former supervisor calls game 'gross'
Former Tenderloin Supervisor Dean Preston called the game 'gross', stating it amounts to vigilantism involving killing poor people and urging city leaders to condemn it legally.
“gross”
City attorney says game is abhorrent
The City Attorney’s office stated the game glorifies violence against neighbors and will not improve conditions in the Tenderloin, calling it abhorrent.
“abhorrent”
Game targets Tenderloin’s vulnerable residents
The game depicts homeless and drug users as zombies, with critics arguing it dehumanizes vulnerable residents and ignores the Tenderloin’s history of rising rents due to tech companies.
The main idea
San Francisco officials condemn an AI game that uses Tenderloin’s homeless and drug users as zombie targets, calling it dehumanizing and a threat to vulnerable residents.
