Wizards of the Coast Faces Backlash for AI Art Misstep, While IBM Study Shows Rising Consumer Interest in AI-powered Retail Solutions
Summary:
Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of prominent games like Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, has recently been accused of using AI-generated art in their advertisement, violating their vow to abstain from such technology. The company admitted to the accusation, blaming the incorporation of AI on a vendor. Despite this controversy, new research from IBM suggests a rising interest in AI applications in the retail sector based on dissatisfaction with current retail experiences. The survey showed that consumers are eager to see new technologies like AI enhancements and virtual assistants to improve their shopping experience.
Having a hard time distilling its creativity into artificial intelligence (AI)-generated artwork, famed Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering publisher, Wizards of the Coast, is causing a stir among its audience. On the other side, IBM has turned to a more traditional method of gathering consumer insights: an old-school survey, exposing considerable dissatisfaction with retail experiences and growing interest in AI-enhanced retail solutions.
Magic: The Gathering's patrons recently called out the company for attempting to pass off AI-rendered artwork as human creation in a promotional for the game. However, the company rejected these claims. The same company, which relies heavily on an army of fantasy artists, vowed never to incorporate AI-powered art into their game, only to seemingly have violated this promise in an advertisement.
Unsurprisingly, this hasn't been well-received among their fanbase, giving an appealing perspective into how consumers view AI-generated artwork. Following deeper introspection, the company confessed that the controversial artwork was indeed AI-produced.
Despite conceding the mistaken use of AI-rendered art, the company stood firm that it was unintentional, blaming it on an external vendor. They claimed that elements of AI, standard in tools like Photoshop, sneaked into their promotional design.
This unfortunate situation marked the company's second stumble concerning the use of AI-produced artwork – the previous one having taken place when they used it for a Dungeons & Dragons guidebook.
Public reaction to these developments remains uncertain as social media sentiment till now appears mostly negative.
As more businesses experiment with AI-based art, it's become increasingly prominent on social media. The conundrum faced by many businesses lies in being transparent.
However, all is not lost for AI. Despite gaming enthusiasts showing reluctance towards AI-related art without sufficient disclaimers, recent IBM studies reveal widespread consumer disappointment with prevailing retail experiences. Its third annual consumer survey included feedback from over 20,000 worldwide customers demonstrating considerable unrest with current technological implementations.
The statistical analysis reveals only 9% satisfaction with in-store shopping experiences and a mere 14% for online ones. Over half of the participants indicated enthusiasm for AI enhancements like virtual assistants in their shopping environments. Furthermore, 80% of those who hadn't yet experimented with AI-enabled retail experiences indicated willingness to do so.
Published At
1/8/2024 10:56:16 PM
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