Recently, Displate, a popular online marketplace for collectible metal posters, faced backlash over suspicions that one of its official Warhammer 40,000 artworks was created using generative AI. Fans noticed certain “red flags” in the $149 3D-printed Fulgrim Limited Edition artwork, which prompted a response from the company clarifying the situation.
Fulgrim, a key figure in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, is among the Emperor’s 20 genetically-engineered Primarchs and recently returned to the lore as the Daemon Primarch of Chaos god Slaanesh. The controversy began when a prominent Warhammer 40,000 YouTuber, Luetin, withdrew a promotional post for the artwork due to concerns over potential AI-generated elements.
Displate’s Clarification
The artwork in question sparked widespread discussion within the Warhammer 40,000 community, leading to a thorough analysis by fans. Displate responded by emphasizing that the artwork was created by a skilled in-house artist, without any use of AI. The debated aspect was attributed to a human oversight during the final production stages.
In a Reddit post, Displate’s representative explained that the artwork underwent several revisions, and a minor error occurred due to an incomplete repaint. Displate reassured fans, stating, “Every Limited Edition we release is created entirely by real artists, either by our internal art team or trusted external collaborators, and held to the highest standards we apply as a company.”
Community Response and Future Steps
For those who have already received the artwork, Displate offered replacements, maintaining the same Limited Edition print number and certificate. Customers with pending orders will receive corrected versions after the New Year. Displate stated, “We appreciate the community holding creators to high standards – that same standard is exactly what we expect of ourselves.”
The Warhammer 40,000 art, shaped by influential artists like John Blanche, plays a crucial role in its “grimdark” aesthetic. The community’s strong stance against AI-generated art reflects the importance of maintaining authenticity in official works. Displate assured fans that their Limited Editions will continue to be crafted by talented human artists, upholding a tradition of quality and creativity.
The controversy highlights a broader industry conversation about generative AI’s role in art and entertainment. Reports suggest that ongoing discussions continue to shape the future standards for artistic creation, ensuring a balance between innovation and tradition.
Image credit: Games Workshop.