The Twitter community is buzzing with accusations that a two-time Slayer Sword winner used AI in his most recent Golden Demon entry.
This has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some users claiming that the use of AI violates the competition’s rules, while others argue that there is no explicit mention of AI in the rules. In this article, we will look into the accusations, examine the Golden Demon rules, and explore the implications of using AI in miniature painting competitions.
Accusations About Two-Time Slayer Sword Winner Using AI
Good job GW making this guy and his printed AI image backdrop the cover photo of the "pinnacle of the miniatures painting hobby"
I guess entries don't have to be "wholly painted by the entrant" or demonstrate "Technical skill, atmosphere, [and] consistency in quality" https://t.co/H1Olo13CSv pic.twitter.com/u9RN8U8SCC
— Nick Topping (@toppulous) March 26, 2024
Well, let’s start with the accusations. Folks like Nick Topping @toppulous are implying that the backdrop of this diorama is actually AI art. However, we haven’t heard any confirmation from Neil Paints about that. However, Neil actually paints pretty well and has won the Slayer Sword multiple times. So, this means he obviously has the skills to paint and win, and this Exodite conversion/paint job is honestly wild.
With how the internet works, making accusations without proof can be extremely damaging to people and their brands. When you are basically saying someone cheated, you really need some solid proof. Because now, many others have chimed in with similar accusations while also offering no proof.
The Exodite piece using AI art for the background is a discredit to all artists that compete, which is a shame considering that the model is undeniably well painted.
The prize should be revoked, art can not be prized when it is made with stolen IP. https://t.co/REZ2UO5Xfs
— Ynn 🍰 🍉 (@CakelatteStuff) March 26, 2024
Which has now even spread to the official Warhammer Community post.
Using AI to generate the backdrop is akin to doping in sports competition, @warhammer . I think you either take a stance on this. or just let people use all means available to win; be it paying people to work on one’s project, using 3D printed parts, or other similar tricks.
— Hrefna fra trollskogen 🏳️⚧️ (@hrefna_r_queen) March 27, 2024
if you allow ai stuff you should also allow 3d printed models, machine painted models, teams of people working together, other people painting models for entrants, etc.
— alex not sure about this (@forestdonkey) March 27, 2024
So you're now giving awards to art using blatantly stolen material.
This is no longer a competition of artistic talent, but rather who puts the best prompts into the plagiarism machine
— TrashkittenDeluxe 🔞 (@Trashkitten83) March 27, 2024
DQ all entries that used AI as violating your copyright and plagerism policies.
— Pr0t0! The yote you should DM the word Deer! (@Pr0t0E) March 27, 2024
The background is plagiarized. How was that not disqualifying?
— inkpenavenger 🇺🇦🇵🇸 (@inkpenavenger) March 27, 2024
Not Explicitly Against the Rules
If you read through the Golden Demon rules, nothing mentions using AI or even printed picture backgrounds for models. So, even if it makes you mad, it’s technically not breaking the rules, even if these accusations prove to be true. Maybe this situation will prompt GW to make changes for next year, but at this time, from the looks of it, there is nothing stating that you can’t use AI art in Golden Demon Entries.
What Happens Next
We feel like it is important to be cautious when making accusations without proper proof, especially when it comes to publicly accusing someone of cheating. Here at Spikey Bits, we have been accused of a number of things by the outspoken folks on Twitter and Reddit, but that doesn’t mean any of it was ever true either.
While the use of AI in painting competitions is a topic of debate, it looks like it is not against the rules in the Golden Demon competition.
We’ll have to wait and see if this situation prompts any changes in the future. In the meantime, we’ll continue to support and appreciate the incredible talent and hard work of all the miniature painters who participate in these competitions.
What are your thoughts about a two-time Slayer Sword winner being accused of using AI?
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Virginia Restless, Miniature Painter & Cat Dad.
I blame LEGOs. There was something about those little-colored blocks that started it all… Twitter @catdaddymbg
