The topic of generative AI use in artwork, writing, and other creative projects is a controversial one. Some see it as a tool that will be ever-present in the future. Others see it as a replacement for true human creativity. No matter the viewpoint, every industry is being impacted by it. Wizards of the Coast is one such company that has been involved in multiple talks and accusations about the use of generative AI in its products. Now, Wizards has released their official policy to carry the company going forward.
The core of our policy is this: Magic and D&D have been built on the innovation, ingenuity, and hard work of talented people who sculpt these beautiful, creative games. As such, we require artists, writers, and creatives contributing to the Magic TCG and the D&D TTRPG to refrain from using AI generative tools to create final Magic or D&D products. – Wizards Official FAQ
Wizards goes on to say that it is investigating tools for the detection of generative AI while also keeping human review involved. They promise to speak with any artist whose work has been flagged for potentially using generative AI. They also clarify that they will not always make such incidents public knowledge to protect the privacy of those they work with, as well as their in-progress projects.
This policy comes after a handful of situations where Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering releases were accused of using generative AI art. One such incident had Wizards replace artwork in Bigby Presents: Glory of Giants after it was discovered to be AI-generated.
There is one item of note in this policy. Wizards states that generative AI tools will not be used to create FINAL Magic or D&D products. This implies that concepts, storyboards, or drafted pieces may use these tools. Perhaps this aligns more with the spirit of AI. A tool to help brainstorm a final product, or a way of speeding up menial tasks to get to the final piece. Such as an artist using AI to generate a variety of images for a mood board before creating their own final design by hand.
The issue with generative AI certainly will not go away, and perhaps will get even more complex going forward. But for now, Wizards of the Coast has clarified its stance for two of its major product lines.
