The Pokémon Company has finally responded after the community criticized the TCG Illustration Contest for awarding multiple quarterfinal spots to entries suspected of being generated by AI.
The Pokemon Company responds to allegations
On June 14, The Pokémon Company announced and unveiled the top 300 quarterfinalists for this year’s TCG Illustration Contest. Fans were quick to point out six suspiciously “AI-like” entries, which, if true, would have violated two rules of the contest. In addition to failing to ensure that the art was “created solely by themselves,” it appears the entrant also submitted six illustrations under different names (the limit was three).
After the initial drama, we finally have an official response and statement from The Pokémon Company. According to the Pokémon TCG developers, who shared an update on X (formerly Twitter), “Entrants who violate the rules have been disqualified” and “additional artists will be selected soon to join the top 300 finalists.” Disqualifying entries that violate the rules and instead selecting real artists to join the top 300 is exactly what the community has been asking for, and The Pokémon Company has delivered.
“We are committed to upholding the integrity of the Pokémon TCG Illustration Contest and appreciate the continued support of fans as we celebrate the artistic skills of the talented Pokémon community,” the company wrote.
