The Pokémon Company faces backlash after disqualifying AI-generated entries from its 2024 Pokémon TCG art contest. The annual contest, offering artists the chance to have their work featured on a Pokémon card and win cash prizes, has sparked controversy following the disqualification of multiple entries suspected of using AI.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), a beloved franchise spanning nearly three decades, launched its official illustration contest in 2021. This year's theme, "Magical Pokémon Moments," concluded with a January 31st deadline. While the top 300 quarter-finalists were announced on June 14th, accusations of AI-generated or enhanced artwork quickly surfaced.

Subsequently, the Pokémon TCG announced the removal of several entries from the finalist list, citing violation of contest rules. Although the statement didn't explicitly mention AI, the action follows widespread fan concerns regarding the prevalence of AI art among the quarter-finalists. This decision, while controversial, has garnered praise from many artists and fans within the community.

Pokémon TCG Disqualifies AI Art Contest Entries

The Pokémon TCG's decision to disqualify the AI-generated entries has been largely applauded by the community, which values the creativity and dedication of human artists who contribute significantly to the franchise through fan art. The contest offers substantial prizes, including a $5,000 grand prize and the honor of having winning artwork featured on promotional cards.

The oversight in initially selecting the AI-generated artwork for the top 300 remains unclear, but the subsequent action has provided some reassurance to the community. The use of AI in Pokémon events is not unprecedented; AI assisted in live match analysis during a Scarlet and Violet tournament. However, its use in an art contest designed to showcase human creativity has proven contentious.

The passionate Pokémon TCG community, known for its valuable rare cards and active engagement, eagerly awaits the release of a new mobile TCG app. The controversy surrounding AI in this year's contest underscores the importance of fair competition and the recognition of human artistic skill within the franchise.