Wizards of the Coast promptly stated that a recent promotional image was entirely human-created after observant Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts raised concerns about its potential use of conceptual AI. Just two days have elapsed since the controversial marketing post was taken down by Wizards, and the acknowledgment of the image’s utilization of relational tools has been made.
The image in query featured five new MTG tickets arranged on a desk in a blend of an apothecary and a bookshop with a steampunk ambiance (albeit not explicitly labeled as such in their human-made attributes). While the overall setting seemed acceptable, a closer inspection of the image revealed AI-generated elements such as the fibers in the lamps, certain details of the table structure, and imperfections on the pressure gauge. These discrepancies align with the ongoing limitations of image generation tools in accurately rendering intricate features like fingers, teeth, and text.
The situation is further compounded by Wizards of the Coast’s previous aversion to AI craftsmanship following a controversial implementation in a Dungeons & Dragons manual by a seasoned consultant. Initially, Wizards maintained that generative AI tools were employed in creating the MTG promotional image, stating, “We acknowledge the fans’ confusion due to the deviation from typical card art style, but we stand by our initial declaration.” The assertion was clear: this artwork was crafted by human hands, not artificial intelligence.
Despite the company’s stance, some collaborating artists expressed reservations and disappointment, with a segment of loyal fans remaining unconvinced. While some retracted their criticism post Wizards’ clarification and commitment to improvement, Illustrator Jason Rainville hinted at exploring alternative revenue streams if Wizards persisted in adopting such technology against their earlier declarations. Conversely, artist Dave Rapoza declared a complete cessation of collaboration with Wizards of the Coast, emphasizing, “You can’t preach against this practice and then blatantly incorporate AI into your promotional endeavors. Emails sent, farewell to all!”
On Twitter, Wizards of the Coast asserted that the image’s history traced back to a third-party provider and conceded, “It appears that certain AI elements, now prevalent in industry-standard tools like Photoshop, inadvertently made their way into our marketing creative, despite the human effort invested in crafting the entire image.”
Further elaborating in a formal statement, Wizards articulated:
“We have explicitly communicated that the production of our latest Magic offerings necessitates the creative contributions of musicians, writers, and artists involved in Magic TCG to abstain from employing AI conceptual tools.” The emphasis now lies on championing the remarkable human creativity integral to Magic, necessitating an overhaul in vendor collaboration for imaginative endeavors beyond product development, including the social media marketing visuals.
The company aims to delve deeper into the utilization of AI in the creative process, advocating for enhanced transparency and dissemination of information. While acknowledging the industry’s rapid evolution with generative AI tools becoming commonplace, Wizards prioritizes human-generated art and artists, albeit acknowledging the challenges in a swiftly transforming landscape.
For entities like Wizards of the Coast, the dilemma of a third-party artist or vendor surreptitiously leveraging AI tools poses a significant quandary, especially considering the repercussions faced following the controversy surrounding artist Ilya Shkipin’s AI tool usage in the Glory of Giants sourcebook that prompted Wizards to adopt a firm stance on the matter initially.
Wizards of the Coast has a vested interest in upholding its reputation. While its principles, systems, and world-building are pivotal, the visual appeal of Magic cards and tabletop sourcebooks plays a crucial role in consumer engagement. Any compromise in the company’s relationship with illustrators could have severe ramifications.
Despite the initial resolute rejection by the company, the decision to retract the artwork, acknowledge its AI origins, and outline preventive measures for the future appears prudent. In a landscape where discerning authentic content amidst the influx of AI-generated art is becoming increasingly challenging, akin to navigating misinformation online, the need to distinguish between genuine and synthetic creations is paramount.
The prevalence of low-quality AI-generated art seeping into commercial domains underscores the necessity for vigilance in discerning authenticity. Instances like the alleged AI creation of another D&D piece, subsequently debunked, exemplify the complexities involved. As the “AI trend” continues to gain momentum, with recent accusations directed at Wacom for AI-generated key art in an Apex Legends’ Final Fantasy Resurrection crossover event, the landscape of commercial artistry is poised for significant transformations.
As we approach 2024, the pervasive influence of AI in artistic realms signals a challenging road ahead, necessitating a discerning eye to navigate the evolving landscape of creative expression.
