Pokémon disqualifies TCG illustration contest finalists for alleged use of AI

The Pokémon Company has disqualified several entrants from its Pokémon TCG illustration contest, apparently due to their alleged use of AI.

The competition saw thousands of participants submit fan art of their favorite Pokémon, with the winner of the competition set to receive $5,000. The winner will also see their illustration printed as an official Pokémon card.

Following the publication of the 300 best cards from the competition, fans were quick to point out that several appeared to have the distinction of having been created with generative AI. This is expressly prohibited in the competition rules, published at the start of the competition.

The Pokémon Company has now released a statement on The company has now disqualified them from the competition.

Although not explicitly stated, this statement comes after many fans pointed out the alleged use of AI technology. The Pokémon Company also said that in order to complete the top 300 entrants, it would select more artists to fill the spots.

While most pointed to the potential use of AI as the reason for the ban, it was also suggested that an entrant had submitted multiple entries under slightly different names, which is also prohibited in the rules, and that this could also have contributed to his disqualification. the competition.