Wizards of the Coast, the company behind Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, has unveiled a fresh FAQ that addresses the utilization of generative AI in both franchises. This technology has been a topic of controversy within the fan community, prompting the need for clarity.
Instances of AI-generated artwork causing disputes within Wizards' projects have been observed. For instance, in Bigby Presents: Glory of Giants, AI-created art was replaced in subsequent printings due to the controversy it stirred.
Earlier this year, Wizards of the Coast faced criticism for incorporating AI-generated art in Magic: The Gathering marketing materials despite explicitly stating that generative AI would not be used for the game's cards. This incident led to a reassessment of their approach to marketing materials. Similar issues have surfaced in Dungeons and Dragons as well.
Responding to these concerns, Wizards of the Coast has issued an FAQ outlining their policies on generative AI usage within the company and its products. The FAQ serves as the official guideline for the company and its stance on the matter. It asserts that artists, writers, and creatives contributing to Magic: The Gathering and D&D must abstain from utilizing AI generative tools for final product creation. Furthermore, Wizards has banned the use of generative AI in Magic: The Gathering marketing materials post the January incident.
Understanding Wizards of the Coast's Stance on AI Implementation
The FAQ also sheds light on Wizards' investigation process to detect generative AI usage in their products. While the details are somewhat vague, it involves a combination of human review, specialized tools, and discussions with the involved artists or creators. Wizards emphasizes the rapid spread of false accusations regarding AI use, as seen with recent claims about upcoming Dungeons and Dragons books.
Additionally, Wizards clarifies that they will not publicly address every case to protect the privacy of individuals collaborating with the company, even if they decide to discontinue working with the artist. Moreover, while Hasbro, Wizards' parent company, may employ generative AI in other projects like Trivial Pursuit, Wizards of the Coast follows a different protocol.
Despite the outlined policy, there are notable gaps. The term "final" implies that generative AI can be used for preliminary work such as storyboarding and conceptualization, as long as it does not contribute to the final product. For example, creating a reference image of a Deathclaw for a Fallout-themed card using generative AI would be permissible under this policy. Another significant loophole is the policy's specificity, as it applies solely to the core games and not other mediums like video games or movies.