Stage 1-1: The AI Boogeyman Is Real

AI is already inside game studios, running NPCs, QA, voice, live ops and the notetaker in your meetings. Licensees are locked out of the speed-ups while Epic's Disney game goes AI-first, Steam has become YouTube, and user acquisition is eating brand alive. The only counter-trend left is trust, in independent journalism and in creators. HEAT: 4/5.