*According to the UK Government. Police arrest an 89-year-old protester at a demonstration in support of the proscribed organisation 'Palestine Action', in Parliament Square. (Credit: Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images) On the Saturday the 6th of September 890 protesters were arrested in parliament square in London outside the Houses of Parliament. The Metropolitan Police stated the majority of arrests were made due to the protestors support of the proscribed terrorists organisation ‘Palestine Action’ which was proscribed earlier this year after the group allegedly damaged two military aircraft. This is not the first time where protestors were arrested for supporting the organisation with over 500 arrested in August at a similar protest at parliament square as well as others being arrested at pro-Palestinian rallies and protests across the UK. Many of the people arrested were holding signs with the text "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action" whilst sat in silence in rows across parliament square. Because of the proscription of Palestine Action these individuals are being viewed as the same as planners of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing attack or the more recent 2021 Liverpool Women’s Hospital bombing. Protesters seen sitting on parliment square holding placards with the text "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action". (Credit: PA Media via BBC News) The Metropolitan Police and UK government has also come under fire for allegedly prioritising the arrest of individuals who are elderly and/or disabled. Examples of video footage seem to show discussions between police officers about who to arrest next suggesting that the arrests of these ‘terrorists’ are more performative and meant to send a message rather than protecting the public. This is even clearer seen with hundreds of alleged terrorists being able to walk away free after the protest meaning that according to the own government’s laws the Metropolitan Police failed to arrest and detain hundreds of terrorists despite them being easily accessible in one central location. The proscription of ‘Palestine Action’ as a terrorist organisation has potentially caused a rapid increase in terrorism to a point never before seen in the UK. Many protesters were arrested and carried away by Metropolitan Police officers (Credit: EPA via BBC News) It is also to note the context of these arrests and the proscription of ‘Palestine Action’ with the UK government currently supplying UK made weapons and equipment to the Israeli defence forces which are being used in the attacks on Palestinian cities and civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank which have recently been described as an “ongoing genocide” by experts in that field. Multiple organisations including the Good Law Project have highlighted the hypocrisy of the UK government by proscribing ‘Palestine Action’ as a terrorist organisation for spray painting two military aircraft whilst simultaneously suppling the Israeli military with weapons that have caused the death of thousands of Palestinian civilians and the destruction of vast areas of civilisation. The proscribed organisation ‘Palestine Action’ are currently taking legal action against the UK government suggesting the proscription is against UK freedom of speech laws. Editors Note: Palestine Action is currently a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK meaning supporting this group could lead to your arrest. The Sparrow and it’s editors in no way support Palestine Action and remind our readers to follow your country’s laws and regulations.

Generative AI has provided the gaming industry a rare chance to increase output while keeping costs low, but will the switch to AI hurt the experience? (Credit: Getty Images) Over the past couple of years, AI, specifically generative AI has been a buzzword for every fortune 500 company to throw around. Many companies have promised investors that they will include AI in their products and processes leading to higher returns on investment and a better experience for customers. The gaming industry has not neglected this trend with major players such as Ubisoft, Epic Games, Microsoft and Electronic Arts embracing the "exciting future" that generative AI promised to bring. Some developers hav e expressed caution when using AI. Take Two has said that using AI “presents social and ethical issues that may result in legal and reputational harm and liability" as well as many indie studios and solo developers suggesting that the ability for large AAA developers to use complicated in-house AI models gives them an unfair advantage especially when a large amount of the date used to train these models comes from smaller creators. In 2024, Ubisoft (developer of Assassin's Creed, Just Dance and Far Cry) unveiled their new generative AI prototype promising a revolution in how players interact with non playable characters (NPCs). "Have you ever dreamed of having a real conversation with an NPC in a video game? Not just one gated within a dialogue tree of pre-determined answers, but an actual conversation, conducted through spontaneous action and reaction?" - Ubisoft The prototype version shown is able to dynamically react to the players actions and statements and respond in a way which is natural, human but still in character. Ubisoft say that this system doesn't get rid of the human creative with the AI still requiring details about the character themselves and how they would speak, react and think in different situations. An example of a generated response during a non-game demo of Ubisoft's generative AI prototype (Credit: Ubisoft) Ubisoft say that this development will make their games more dynamic and engaging for players with every action taken or word spoken by the player having a more meaningful impact on the dialogue of NPCs. Whilst Ubisoft have shown off these features in a closed demo to press they have not confirmed when or where they will launch this technology in one of their titles. Ubisoft isn't the only company to utilise advancements in AI in their products with the game engine Unreal Engine (developed by Fortnite developer Epic Games) featuring advanced AI NPCs which can go 'off-script' and change how they respond to the player based on multiple factors. Inworld Origins is a short demo game developed by Inworld AI using Unreal Engine which acted as a public demo of how this technology could be used in a real game. The reviews note how novel and impressive it is to have full conversations with NPCs with many seeing how far they can distract the characters from their original prompt however, there is an overall feeling that generative AI characters seem 'gimmicky' with them being cool and impressive in a barebones tech demo but probably not so needed in a fully released AAA title. Many also note the requirement to have an internet connection when playing as the AI models used cannot be stored locally on the player's console or PC. This not only limits where you can play but also brings up concerns with privacy as user's data, including voice data, is potentially sent to servers in different countries where privacy and user data laws are more relaxed. AI is not just being used in video games however, it is also being used more and more in the development process of video games. Many studios have already adopted AI infused productivity tools such as Monday or Slack to increase efficiency within their development teams however some have gone further with their use of AI. According to a recent poll by a16z, 87% of game studios are using generative AI tools like Midjourney to create in-game environments both to be used as inspiration or mockups as well as within released games. After months of criticism from fans, Activision admitted they used generative AI to create some images in Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 with many noticing because the character in the image had six fingers. Fortnite also ruffled feathers with their inclusion of an AI recreation of the late James Earl Jones' voice for their playable Darth Vader character with actors' union SAG-AFTRA filing a complaint. "We must protect our right to bargain terms and conditions around uses of voice that replace the work of our members, including those who previously did the work of matching Darth Vader's iconic rhythm and tone in video games," - Sag-Aftra AI has led to major fears for many in the video game industry with some developers, artists and designers worrying that the growing use of generative AI could make them obsolete. Financial pressures continue to haunt studios with the industry in general experiencing a slump in sales and a dramatic rise in costs. Recent reports place the cost of a AAA game between $200 and $300 million with some games approaching the $1 billion mark. For many of the largest studios the switch from human creatives to AI is nothing but a key financial decision to keep them alive. It is also especially important for companies to appear on the cutting edge of video game development and so diving head first into AI makes sure stock prices are kept stable and a reputation of innovation is upheld. AI will change video games in a significant way in the next decade. From AI NPCs leading to more immersive and unique gameplay to AI generated images slowly creeping into more titles to save costs it is still not clear if AI will make gaming better or worse. However, for many people such as the programmers, artists, designers, voice actors and sound designers, the switch to generative AI could lead to a change in their lives as their careers and passions are replaced with complicated algorithms as major studios try and cut costs.

# The Impact of Oasis' Reunion on Manchester's Cultural Landscape Oasis performing at Heaton Park, Manchester. (Credit: Big Brother Recordings) ## A Homecoming Like No Other The reunion of Oasis has been highly anticipated. Millions of fans around the globe have eagerly awaited the band's return. Now, with their recent shows in Manchester, the excitement is palpable. The five sold-out performances at Heaton Park have captivated the city, creating a cultural impact that is hard to ignore. The Gallagher brothers' homecoming has revitalised Manchester in a way that few events can. Local businesses are the real winners in this scenario. They have embraced the influx of fans, reconnecting them with the Mancunian spirit that Oasis embodies. Pre- and post-gig parties, special offers, and live performances in the vibrant Northern Quarter have transformed the city. The hospitality industry is set to receive a multi-million-pound boost during the Oasis shows. Bars across Manchester have reported their busiest week since before the pandemic. Many are extending their hours and hosting events to meet the demand for live music. ## Merchandising Mania Fans have also been indulging in merchandise from pop-up markets, fan stores, and stands scattered throughout the city. This has provided local businesses with a fantastic opportunity to showcase their unique designs and promote their independent stores. Official and limited-edition collaborations have proven to be particularly popular. For instance, Adidas has reopened its store on Market Street as part of a partnership campaign with the Live ’25 tour. The long queues each day have prompted organisers to advise fans to book shopping slots to avoid lengthy waits. Two fans seen wearing Oasis merch before the opening night at Heaton Park. (Credit: Getty images) ## A Celebration of Manchester's Identity The return of Oasis has become a celebration of Manchester and its rich identity. Generations of fans are filling the streets, reveling in the nostalgia of the 90s. The city is honouring its roots in the music industry, with the legacies of local talents like The Stone Roses and Joy Division bringing together long-time fans and younger audiences alike. There is a clear revival of the music scene, as evidenced by increased venue bookings and the popularity of fan landmarks. Audiences are craving a taste of the Britpop aesthetic that defined a generation. Younger fans are no longer just idolising the past; they are actively participating in a cultural reawakening. The resurgence of 90s fashion trends and a wave of music discovery are evident. Popular retailers like ASOS and Urban Outfitters have released ‘Britpop’-inspired collections ahead of the shows. Additionally, radio stations have dedicated entire weeks to celebrating Britpop, coinciding with the appearance of three Oasis albums in the UK Top 5. This streaming resurgence has also spotlighted newer acts influenced by the era, such as Inhaler and the Australian band DMAs, who cite Oasis as a significant influence. ## The Broader Impact of Live ’25 The reunion of Oasis has done more than just bring the band back to the forefront of the music scene. It has sparked a broader celebration of Manchester’s enduring identity. The combination of thriving local businesses and the revival of 90s music and style has awakened the city. Live ’25 has proven that Manchester remains a powerhouse of creativity and community. The cultural significance of this event cannot be overstated. It has reignited a passion for music and fashion that resonates with both older and younger generations. The excitement surrounding Oasis' return has created a unique atmosphere in Manchester, one that is filled with nostalgia and new energy. In conclusion, the impact of Oasis' reunion on Manchester is profound. It has revitalised local businesses, celebrated the city's musical heritage, and fostered a sense of community among fans. As the band continues their tour, the legacy of Oasis will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on Manchester and beyond. The phrase "Oasis Live '25" encapsulates the spirit of this momentous occasion, highlighting the connection between the band and their hometown. The reunion is not just a concert; it is a cultural phenomenon that has brought Manchester back into the spotlight, reminding everyone of its rich musical history and vibrant community spirit.

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