Wizards of the Coast denies use of AI art

The latest post by Wizards of the Coast is again under scrutiny by fans who claim that the image shared by the company is AI generated. The image shared were showing off Magic the Gathering cards with stylized background.

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However, fans were quick to notice some irregularities and called out the company for using generative AI art once again. The company commissions artists, and it is possible that someone used AI to generate the background.

It's positively shocking how good these lands look in retro frame. #MTGRavnica pic.twitter.com/4HnX90rMeK

— Magic: The Gathering (@wizards_magic) January 4, 2024

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Wizards of the Coast in their response have stood strong in their claim about the art being made by Humans. “We understand confusion by fans given the style being different than card art, but we stand by our previous statement. This art was created by humans and not AI,” the company wrote.

Many companies are now using AI art and it is no secret. Square Enix’s also recently announced that they will be doubling down on using AI for marketing and game development in 2024.

Generally, a company uses AI to cut corners and is generally frowned upon. The results are also subpar, and the AI uses art created by others as reference. Wizards of the Coast back in 2023 also saw backlash after AI art was found in The Glory of Giants sourcebook for Dungeons and Dragons.

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Since then, the company has announced their stand against AI-art. “We are revising our process and updating our artist guidelines to make clear that artists must refrain from using AI art generation as part of their art creation process for developing D&D,” they wrote.

AI art and workflow in recent days are getting better. Many believe that soon people will not be able to spot difference properly. However, this time the fans are not ready to pass it as Human art, especially when the company was caught in a similar controversy before.