The topic of Artificial Intelligence is quite controversial these days, with opinions being extremely polarized in either direction. However, we can all agree that design, and all its aspects, is perhaps one of the areas most affected by the sudden boom in AI technology. Anyone can just enter a prompt into an AI generator and create images, but they are less than perfect, at least not yet. And sure, you can ask ChatGPT to create a story, scenario, or mechanics, but none again – they seem flawed, unoriginal, and uninspired, at least for now.
That still doesn’t stop companies from trying to implement AI into their day-to-day operations to increase productivity. Magic: The Gathering designer Mark Rosewater has made a bold statement about AI technology in a June 14 blog post: “I believe there will come a day where AI is a tool we use for design, but there are a whole host of issues to work through before we get there” – meaning MTG AI is definitely a possibility. But how realistic is it?
An Unlikely Scenario or a Glimpse Into the Future
There hasn’t been an official position on AI art, design, or any of its aspects by Wizards of the Coast, so it’s possible that Rosewater’s prediction may never come to pass, but the fact he said what he said may show a glimpse into the future of Magic: The Gathering content. Besides, AI technology is already going after artists jobs. However, the inclusion of AI in any capacity poses a host of legal complications, not to mention ethical ones. Many card artists and game designers have utterly opposed AI and its implications.
But it’s not just designers that are protesting against the use of AI – Samsung’s recent ban on AI use is a testament to the complications and dangers involved in its use. Companies are growing more and more cautious with using and implementing AI tools, further slowing down their progress and development. Public pressure has also been a concern, with many people fearing losing their jobs and livelihood to AI, calling for regulations.
All things considered, Rosewater’s stance on the matter is certainly interesting, as it is coming from a higher-up. However, given there is no official stance by Wizards of the Coast, and the current political, legal, and public opinions and swings, it is highly unlikely that we will see “MTG AI” anytime soon. This Swiss approach to the situation, however, leaves a pretty wide open window for the future. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see which way the tide turns in a few years’ time.