The Pokemon Company issued disqualification to AI-generated entries from the Trading Card Game (TCG) Illustration Contest 2024, citing a violation of the official rules of the contest.

Multiple submissions within the Top 300 finalists were accused of being AI-generated, resulting in an investigation within the Pokemon TCG.

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Pokemon Identifies AI-Generated Entries for TCG Contest

Last June 14, Pokemon TCG publicized the illustrations of the selected Top 300 quarter-finalists for the contest. Several fans quickly called the attention of the company after running an AI-generated compatibility test on suspicious artworks.

In addition, several fans who joined the contest shared their disappointment of not getting into the quarter-finals and seeing AI-generated artworks on the list. Another issue surfaced that the multiple submissions have been allowed by using different names.

Fans continuously flooded the X thread of the post, pointing out that several submissions showed elements of being AI-generated. They also called for "reconsideration" for legitimate artists who spend hours to submit their artwork.

Pokemon TCG Addresses AI-Generated Submissions

In a recent X post, Pokemon TCG announced that they are aware that select entries from the finalists have violated the contest rules by submitting AI-generated works. All detected works have been officially disqualified from the contest.

The company also revealed that additional artists who participated in the contest will soon be selected to complete the top 300 finalists. Pokemon TCG did not disclose how many artworks were involved in the issue.

"We're committed to upholding the integrity of the Pokemon TCG Illustration Contest and appreciate fans' continued support as we celebrate the artistic abilities of the talented Pokemon community," the company wrote.

The Pokemon TCG illustration contest was participated by fans from the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

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