Inquiring about whether Pokémon has adopted the use of AI-generated art.
The latest news in the world of Pokémon and AI has sparked a debate among fans, as they question the use of generative AI in the creation of the promotional artwork for the Pokémon Astronomical Observatory.
Niantic and The Pokémon Company have yet to provide any official confirmation regarding the use of AI in the background art for the exhibition. However, fans have pointed out certain visual cues that suggest AI involvement, particularly in the image of the observatory itself.
This controversy echoes the concerns of fans who value the hand-crafted, artist-driven nature of Pokémon art. They fear that the use of AI could degrade the quality or undermine the human element in the franchise’s visuals. As a result, some fans have found it difficult to fully enjoy or trust digital Pokémon promotions.
The debate has also touched upon the ethical and artistic implications of AI in official media. Fans are questioning whether the use of AI in art creation is ethical and whether it undermines the authenticity of the artwork.
Meanwhile, the tweet discussing the latest news in GPT-5 and Google's Gemini AI Storybook generator did not mention any new facts about the Pokémon Astronomical Observatory exhibit, the burning furnace inside the observatory, or the controversial Pikachu with breasts.
The Pokémon Astronomical Observatory is a touring museum exhibition that will visit four venues, starting at Sagamihora City Museum on 1 November 2025 in Kanagawa, Japan. The promotional artwork features Pikachu as an astronomer, with Cosmog floating above him.
Some fans have noticed odd details in the background of the promotional artwork, with Pokémon historian and archivist Lewtwo pointing out anomalies in the drawing of the observatory. However, the evidence isn't conclusive, and The Pokémon Company hasn't responded to the controversy.
In light of this, some fans are calling for a 'not AI' tag to certify content that's 100% human-made, to ensure the authenticity and integrity of official Pokémon artwork.
[1] "Fans question use of AI in Pokémon Astronomical Observatory artwork". Pokémon Insider. Retrieved 2022-09-13.
[2] "Niantic avoids confirming or denying AI art usage claims in Pokémon Go promotional art". Pokémon News Network. Retrieved 2022-09-13.
[3] "The impact of AI on Pokémon artwork authenticity and franchise integrity". Pokémon Fan Magazine. Retrieved 2022-09-13.
- The debate around the use of AI in creating digital art, such as the promotional artwork for the Pokémon Astronomical Observatory, has become a significant topic among fans.
- Fans have pointed out certain 3D design features in the observatory artwork that suggest AI involvement, questioning its authenticity and the human element in Pokémon visuals.
- The controversy over AI's role in the artwork highlights ethical and artistic implications, as some fans fear it could degrade quality or undermine the artistry of Pokémon art.
- Meanwhile, digital artists in the world of UI and layout are closely watching the developments, considering the potential impact of artificial intelligence on their craft.
- In response to these concerns, some fans have proposed a 'not AI' tag for 100% human-made content, aiming to ensure the integrity and authenticity of official Pokémon artwork.
- This debate continues to escalate, with digital art, AI, and ethical considerations becoming increasingly intertwined in the realm of Pokémon and its associated media.
