The Golden Demon Awards, often referred to as the Oscars of miniature painting, are prestigious awards handed out by Games Workshop. These awards celebrate the artistry and skill involved in painting miniatures, with entries showcased at official competitions. The guidelines for the 2024 Golden Demon Awards contain significant updates, especially concerning the usage of artificial intelligence (AI).
The Controversy Surrounding Neil Hollis’s 2023 Win
The 2023 Golden Demon Awards saw controversy when Neil Hollis’s winning entry in the Single Miniature: Warhammer 40,000 category faced criticism. The controversy was not directed at the miniature itself, but rather at the jungle backdrop, which was created using the generative AI tool, MidJourney. During an interview on YouTube’s ‘The Painting Phase’, Hollis explained the complexities and extensive efforts involved in using AI to create the backdrop. Despite this defense, critics highlighted that generative AI tools like MidJourney use copyrighted art as training material, leading to ethical and legal issues.
New Guidelines for the 2024 Golden Demon Awards
In response to the controversy, the 2024 Golden Demon Awards guidelines explicitly address the use of AI. The FAQ section clearly states in response to the question, ‘Am I allowed to use artificial intelligence to generate any part of my entry?’ a simple, ‘No.’ This addition to the guidelines aims to uphold the integrity and originality of the artworks submitted.
The Broader Implications and Legal Context
The controversy surrounding Neil Hollis’s entry and the subsequent rule change are part of a larger conversation about the use of AI in art. Tools like MidJourney are currently embroiled in class action lawsuits over their use of copyrighted material for training. The court case against MidJourney has recently seen developments, with the judge allowing some claims of copyright and trademark infringement to proceed.
Conclusion
The Golden Demon Awards continue to evolve in response to emerging technologies and ethical considerations. The new guidelines for 2024 reflect a commitment to preserving the originality and authenticity of the entries, ensuring that the awards remain a benchmark for excellence in miniature painting.
