Toby Watkins, a 28-year-old software developer from Portland, has spent the last three days locked in an epic battle of wills with Jin, the AI-powered proprietor of Hiroshi's Ramen Shop in Nvidia's latest ACE demo. The conflict? Watkins' unwavering belief that pineapple belongs on ramen.
"It started as a joke," Watkins explained, his bloodshot eyes never leaving the screen. "I thought I'd see how the AI handled a curveball. But now it's personal. I will make this digital noodle merchant see the light, or die trying."
Nvidia's ACE technology, designed to create more dynamic and responsive NPCs, has inadvertently spawned a culinary standoff for the ages. Jin, programmed with an extensive knowledge of traditional ramen preparation, has steadfastly refused to acknowledge pineapple as a valid topping, despite Watkins' increasingly desperate arguments.
"I've tried everything," Watkins lamented. "I've cited the Hawaiian pizza precedent. I've invented a fictional Japanese pineapple festival. I even tried to convince Jin that pineapple is just a really big, yellow bean sprout. Nothing works!"
As news of the ramen showdown spread, it attracted a growing online audience. Twitch streams of Watkins' ordeal have garnered millions of views, with viewers split between #TeamPineapple and #RamenPurists.
Nvidia spokesperson Melissa Chen seemed both amused and concerned by the situation. "While we're thrilled to see such engagement with our ACE demo, we do want to remind users that our NPCs are not designed to be worn down through sheer persistence. Also, Mr. Watkins, please get some sleep. And maybe a real bowl of ramen."
As the standoff enters its fourth day, Watkins remains undeterred. "I've come too far to give up now. Jin will accept pineapple on ramen, or I'll die trying. And if that happens, I want my epitaph to read: 'Here lies Toby. He died as he lived – fighting for fruit on noodles.'"
In related news, therapists worldwide report a surge in clients seeking treatment for "AI-induced culinary trauma."
