The 2024 edition of the Pokémon TCG Illustration Contest is off to a controversial start, and out of its initial 300 finalists, some artists violating the rules will be disqualified and replaced with other artists to move on to the finals. This comes as AI art becomes more prominent in the art scene, and traditional and digital artists have expressed their disappointment that the move didn’t come sooner.
The official X/Twitter account reassured fans that the company was “committed to upholding the integrity of the Pokémon TCG Illustration Contest”, further hinting that the move is a result of the competition’s staff detecting AI art in its entries.
Most notably, an artist going by the name of “Vigen K” drew internet ire for finding a loophole in the maximum amount of three entries per contestant, submitting six entries under three pseudonyms. Twitter users were quick to point out the inconsistency in styles in Vigen’s work, and that one of their Eevees had Jolteon ears.
While AI art is not explicitly banned in the competition, the rules do state that submissions “must not contain material that violates or infringes another’s rights,” which using AI art violates, as the generative art often mimics the style of artistic work it has collected in its database.
Hopefully this time, the artists that are given the chance to advance to the finals of the Pokémon TCG Illustration Contest are those that truly deserve that honour.
Trinity is a geek who enjoys watching anime, superhero and Sci-Fi movies and TV shows. She enjoys gaming (however has terrible gacha luck) and creates cool homebrew campaigns in her free time. She’s always up for a new adventure — with a cosy jacket and a good book in hand.
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