Magic: The Gathering artist resigns: 'You can't say you're against AI and then blatantly use it'

Artist Dave Rapoza He left work for Wizards of the Coast after allegations that recent promotional materials used for Magic: The Gathering were created using artificial intelligence tools.

Although Wizards of the Coast has refuted accusations that the recent image was created via artificial intelligence, fans and artists alike were quick to point out inconsistencies with the image.

This charge is particularly emotional given that Wizards of the Coast confirmed last month that it “requires[s] Artists, writers, and creators who contribute to the Magic TCG to refrain from using generative AI tools to create the final Magic products.”

“We understand fans' confusion due to the style being different from paper art, but we stand by our previous statement,” the company tweeted on Friday, before adding: “This art was created by humans, not AI.”

But famous artist Dave Rapoza was not convinced.

“Don't play dumb,” they said. “If you can't admit that this is clearly artificial intelligence, then I'm definitely done with you all – don't insult our intelligence.”

“So, poof, I'm done with Wizards of the Coast,” Rapoza tweeted over the weekend. “You can't say you stand against this and then blatantly use AI to promote your products and send emails, bye all!

“If you're going to stand up for something, you better make sure you're actually paying attention, don't be lazy, and don't lie.

Rapoza later added, “Don't be too hard on other artists if they don't quit.” “I can afford it because I work for a lot of other game studios and so on – some people just have that [Wizards of the Coast] And I can't afford to stop having families and others to care for – don't follow my lead if you can't, no pressure.”

Raposa later He said that “there is still money to be made in art, even in WotC”, but they said their problem was that WotC took “the high road” and announced that it expected its artists to refrain from using AI tools, “to curry favor with the artists”. .

“I work for other companies that use AI and they use my work as well, but at least they are honest,” Rapoza said.

When asked if it was “too soon” to force such accusations on WotC, Rapoza responded: “I mean, if all you did was look at Edison bulbs, you'd know they weren't real, but you can wait and see if you do or not.” . Likes.”