What happens when AI can create artwork that’s almost impossible to distinguish from something made by a human?

Sean, Donnie, and Jacob dive into the increasingly complicated relationship between AI-generated art and the board game industry. They discuss why publishers are tempted by AI’s speed and lower costs, why portions of the tabletop community remain strongly opposed to it, and whether human-made artwork could actually become more valuable as AI-generated content becomes commonplace.

Ultimately, this episode isn't about handing publishers a simple yes-or-no answer on AI. It’s about asking better questions: What role should AI have in your workflow? What do you want your art to communicate? And what kind of creative process do you want behind the product you're asking people to support?

Resources:

Exit Through the Gift Shop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VmHFp6AkWo
Wendell Berry: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/wendell-berry
Marshall McLuhan / Hot and Cold Media: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Understanding_Media

Chapters For YouTube:

00:00 – AI Art and the Board Game Industry

00:53 – Why This AI Conversation Matters

03:22 – Jacob’s Background as an Artist

05:56 – How Fast Is AI Art Improving?

08:31 – Will Human-Made Art Become More Valuable?

12:12 – The Return to Physical Experiences

17:04 – Why Handmade Art Feels Different

17:58 – The Risk of Mixing AI and Human Art

20:24 – Why the Creative Struggle Matters

20:51 – AI Art in Board Game Design

23:47 – The Problem With “AI Slop”

24:42 – What Actually Makes Something Art?

28:41 – Art, Craft, and Creative Value

33:25 – Are We Losing Ownership?

37:26 – Convenience vs. the Creative Process

40:18 – AI, Creativity, and Human Identity

44:32 – Why Your Game’s Art Matters

46:26 – Hot vs. Cold Media

49:18 – Creativity Is a Muscle

52:19 – What’s Your Policy on AI?

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Should AI Be Used In Your Game Design? | Ep. 303

Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing, Business, & Beyond!

Should AI Be Used In Your Game Design? | Ep. 303