Dungeons & Dragons Franchise Advises Against AI Artwork

KEY POINTS

• Dungeons & Dragons franchise advises against AI for artwork.
• An illustrator used AI for artwork in an upcoming book.
• AI in creative work has sparked various industry concerns.

The Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) role-playing game franchise has directed illustrators not to employ artificial intelligence technology in crafting artwork for its series. This decision emerged after suspicions arose regarding an ax-wielding giant’s artwork in the franchise, prompting fans to discuss its authenticity. D&D Beyond, a subsidiary of Hasbro and a provider of online tools for the series, acknowledged unawareness that one of their long-time illustrators used AI in the artwork for a forthcoming publication. Following this, the franchise plans to review and update its artist guidelines.

Details on the Issue

D&D Beyond, a part of the Hasbro-owned portfolio, came to realize only recently that an artist they have collaborated with for almost ten years utilized AI for commissioned artwork for a soon-to-be-published book. The parent company, Hasbro, purchased D&D Beyond for $146.3 million the previous year, while its association with Wizards of the Coast extends over twenty years.

The artwork under scrutiny is featured in an upcoming hardcover book titled “Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants.” Slated for an August 15 launch, the digital and physical versions of this book are currently priced at $59.95 on the D&D website.

AI in Creative Work

The adoption of AI tools in artistic endeavors has initiated concerns related to copyrights and labor in various sectors. These apprehensions played a role in the Hollywood strike and drove the music industry’s Recording Academy to reevaluate its Grammy Awards standards. Additionally, some artists have lodged lawsuits against AI companies, alleging unauthorized usage of their creations for building public image generators.

Mattel, a competitor of Hasbro, previously incorporated AI-generated imagery for brainstorming new Hot Wheels toy car concepts, although it remains unclear if this move was experimental.