Tabletop’s most prestigious painting competition bans AI from future events

Say what you will about Games Workshop’s particular style of corporate communication, which seemingly vacillates between obtuse and obstinate depending on the day. But when the company behind Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer: Age of Sigmar makes a definitive statement on an issue it seldom minces words, and fans pay attention. That was true again this week as the British company issued its first definitive statement on the use of artificial intelligence in competitive events. Spoiler: It’s not a fan.

As first reported by Wargamer, the rules governing the prestigious Golden Demon miniature painting competition now features a few new lines. “Am I allowed to use Artificial Intelligence to generate any part of my entry?” reads a portion of the revised document’s FAQ section. GW’s answer? “No.”

Pretty straightforward, if you ask me. But that was not the case earlier this year, when 2-time Slayer Sword winner Neil Hollis submitted an immaculate Aeldari Exodite perched atop a dinosaur to the Golden Demons at AdeptiCon. The model, which won gold in the single miniature category, featured lots of intricate work, such as a clear resin pour on the base and sinewy vines that framed the composition perfectly. But it was later revealed that the backdrop, a vivid scene of a sun-dappled jungle valley, was created using a large language model AI. That admission — as well as Hollis’ petulant grandstanding alongside the hosts of The Painting Phase on YouTube — rubbed many in the community the wrong way, and seemed to open up Pandora’s box at future events.

GW’s solution wasn’t to howl and winge, or rescind the award it had issued, or even to make a statement specifically about the situation. It just simply said “No” to the use of AI going forward. Job done, and now on with the show. 

The next Golden Demon contest takes place in October at Germany’s Essen Spiel convention.