I’m not sure how you can get much cheaper than a local band lol.

I can go see a DIY show with a local no-name act for less than $12. There are even shows (often I see this for theatrical shows) that are pay-what-you-can (including $0). I don’t see a world where these are going away, even in the face of AI.

Besides, I don’t think the consumer is comparing a local band with the ‘beetles’. The Beatles are quite literally one of the most influential acts of all time – it’s a false equivalency.

audience won’t have a choice but to watch it

This is only true if humans stop making art. Maybe Hollywood dies at the hands of AI, but independent media will always exist & consumers will always have a choice.

When I used to work fast food, my manager told me that the most expensive component of a soft drink is the ice. Syrup & (filtered) water are pennies, but ice requires electricity to maintain and it’s a little more expensive than you’d think.

If the idea already existed EA wouldn’t have been issued the patent. That’s part of the process of obtaining the patent.

Point is moot because the patent was issued.

…leaving the idea unclaimed for someone else to patent instead? Strange take.

The patent system is far from perfect, but patents themselves are necessary. EA had an idea, they had the right to patent it. They had the right to keep the patent closed, instead they opted to open it.