In a recent promotional image, fans are accusing Wizards of the Coast of using AI
Wizards of the Coast, the publishers of Magic: The Gathering, have been under fire after a recent promotional image was allegedly claimed to be (AI) generated.
An image featuring upcoming cards was posted on the Magic: The Gathering official Twitter account earlier this week. Although users praised the cards themselves, there is conjecture that the accompanying image contains elements that seem to be generated by artificial intelligence. A closer look reveals peculiarities frequently associated with AI-generated images, lending credence to the possibility even though proving such claims is difficult.
The MTG Twitter account replied to the tweet saying: “We understand confusion by fans given the style is different than card art, but we stand by our previous statement. This art was created by humans and not AI.”
In reply to this, artist Dave Rapoza, known for his artwork in Magic: The Gathering, as well as for notable IPs such as Marvel and Destiny, quoted the tweet, stating… “And just like that, poof, I’m done working for wizards of the coast – you can’t say you stand against this then blatantly use AI to promote your products, emails sent, goodbye you all!”
He further clarified “I’m quitting because they took a moral stand against AI art like a week ago and then did this, if they said they were going to use AI that’s a different story, but they want to grand stand like heroes and also pull this, that’s goofball s**t I won’t support.”
In December, Wizards of the Coast issued a statement, stating that it mandates “artists, writers, and creatives contributing to the Magic TCG to refrain from using AI generative tools to create final Magic products.” However, if the recent image indeed utilizes AI, it would seemingly contradict this statement in a swift manner.
This intensifies the accusation and would be highly contradictory if proven true. While it’s plausible that the image might not be A.I. generated after all, only time will reveal the outcome of this serious allegation, highlighting it as a growing concern in the industry.
This emerging trend is stirring concerns within the community, particularly among hardworking artists who may face displacement. Let’s hope it fades away as a passing trend.