Wizards of the Coast Controversy: AI Tools and Magic: The Gathering

The wizards of the coast are being sued for using generative AI tools in their Magic: The Gathering products. Artists and the Magic community are deeply upset and have taken to social media to express their disapproval. The initial defense from Wizards of the Coast asserting that the artwork was created by humans and not AI has been refuted as it has been proven that the artwork was indeed generated by AI. Following the controversy, Wizards of the Coast removed the posts and issued a public apology. Additionally, artist Ilya Shkipin confirmed that several pieces of art they had made for the Dungeons & Dragons sourcebook Glory of the Giants were “enhanced” with AI tools. As a result, for some, the damage of Wizards’ initial defense was already done. At least one artist, Dave Rapoza, who has worked on art for dozens of Magic cards, publicly severed ties with Wizards over the error.