Wizards of the Coast (WotC) has openly addressed the use of AI in recent marketing materials. Following a backlash that prompted some Magic: The Gathering (MTG) artists to express their intention to distance themselves from the game.
The creator of the card game confirmed suspicions from the community on January 7. Acknowledging that the vendor responsible for creating a marketing image for Ravnica Remastered did, in fact, use AI generation in the image. WotC took accountability, stressing that it is their responsibility to ensure that humans create all of its art.
Since AI has become prevalent across various industries, particularly in the art space, WotC emphasized that its writers, artists, and other creatives choose not to use generative AI to produce the products shipped for MTG. Following this marketing blunder, the team now states that they are evaluating their collaboration with vendors to ensure that even promotional images align with those values.
The use of AI in the art space has faced widespread criticism. The inclusion of AI in this promotional image has prompted at least one MTG artist to decide to step away from the game. Dave Rapoza accused WotC of being hypocritical regarding AI implementation in MTG and other WotC products. He declared that he is done working on the company’s hit game. He was not the only artist to criticize the card game developer.
It remains to be seen whether WotC’s response is sufficient to mend the relationship and rebuild trust with the artists. Who were upset by the AI implementation. Fortunately, WotC’s plan should ensure that AI art like this doesn’t pass through for publishing again.
For now, those concerned that this incident would mark the beginning of increased AI use in MTG art can rest assured knowing that WotC’s stance on the issue remains unchanged.