Summary
The 2024Pokemon TCGart contest is the center of the latest AI controversy as The Pokemon Company disqualifies multiple entries accused of being AI-generated. ThePokemon TCGIllustration Contest offers artists the chance to get their creation printed on a Pokemon card and cash prizes.
Having been around for almost three decades,Pokemon TCGis a beloved card game played by thousands of Pokemon lovers. In 2021, in order to tap into the game’s community, the Pokemon Company created the first officialPokemon TCGIllustration Contest for artists internationally. The contest ended in June 2022 and the winner was an illustration of Arcanine, which was included in anonlinePokemon TCGcard exhibition. This year’s edition theme is “Magical Pokemon Moments” and artists submitted their work until January 31. On June 14,Pokemon TCGannounced the top 300 quarter-finalists, but many entries were accused of being generated or enhanced by AI.
Now,Pokemon TCGhas disqualified several entries from thePokemon TCGIllustration Contest 2024 finalists list. According to an official social media post, the eliminated participants had “violated the official contest rules.” The game also confirmed that other artists who were participating would now be added to the top 300. While the statement does not specify that the disqualifications are AI-related, the decision comes after many fans pointed out how multiple quarter-finalists were AI art. Evidently, the presence of AI work in an art contest this relevant stirred up controversy, andPokemonfaced a lot of criticism.
Pokemon TCG Disqualifies Multiple Art Contest Entries
After the disqualification announcement, many fans and artists are praisingPokemon TCGfor its decision. After all, fan art is a major thing inside thePokemoncommunity. Artists use their talent and creativity to share amazing pieces every day, like a human form of Eevee or aterrifying version of Fuecoco. Sometimes they even spend hours on their creations just to show their love for the franchise.
It is unclear how the judges of thePokemon TCGIllustration Contest 2024 did not recognize the alleged AI pieces when selecting the top 300, but fans find it a relief that some action was taken. The competition will grant cash prizes to the top winners, with the first place earning five thousand dollars and the top three winners having their illustrations printed on a promo card.
In the past,Pokemonused AI technology for aScarlet and Violettournamentas an assistant in live match analysis. In an art contest, however, allowing generative AI in the highest ranks can be considered an insult to artists.
ThePokemon TCGcommunity is a very active one. The rarest cards can be worth millions of dollars and fans go to great lengths to get their hands on them. On the other hand, anewPokemon TCGmobile app is on the wayfor Pokemon lovers to enjoy digitally.
Pokemon TCG
Pokemon TCG (Trading Card Game) is a collectible and strategy based card game based on Nintendo’s Pokemon franchise. Two players face off against one another, battling one Pokemon at a time and attempting to knock them out to claim one of six prize cards. The cards have also become highly collectible with some in particular selling for thousands of dollars.
