Game of Thrones Publisher Denies AI Art Claims Amid Fan Backlash Over Illustrated Edition

Publisher Defends 'Game of Thrones' Illustrated Edition After AI Backlash

If it feels like you were just reading about Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin in a news story involving AI, that is correct: Martin is one of a few big-name authors currently taking part in a lawsuit against OpenAI over copyright concerns. The writers don't want large language models learning from their works, and they also don't want them to have free rein to craft rip-offs so close to the source material that they might confuse readers. So it's been particularly surprising to see Martin's name attached to a different sort of AI story: fears from fans that a snazzy new A Feast for Crows edition, featuring 24 original color illustrations by artist Jeffrey R. McDonald, may include AI-crafted work. A Feast for Crows was first released in 2000; this new edition hit shelves November 4 and costs $50, so its immediate appeal to readers might be more limited to collectors and superfans. However, people have started noticing some oddities in the artwork. TheGamer pointed out such tells as "a crucifix on the wallâ€"depicting a religion which does not exist in ASOIAF. There were also the classics, like mismatched limbs and odd-looking faces, as well as many inaccuracies with the characters." The site also noted, "The art pieces show little understanding of ASOIAF itself, with few characters sporting the sigils and [colors] of their house, like Cersei being shown in blue, or Tywin wearing a crown during his funeral, despite never being king." It shared some social media posts from a reader who'd seemingly gotten an early look at the A Feast for Crows illustrated edition: The viral outcry reached the ears of Martin himself, or at least a spokesperson, who shared a guest post on Martin's "Not a Blog" responding to the situation: "My name is Raya Golden and I manage the art direction and licensing development here at Fevre River working closely with GRRM as his schedule will allow. But I alone am responsible for approving all the licensed art that accompanies our SOI&F book driven materials. Recently there have been accusations floating around that the Penguin Random House’s illustrated edition of A Feast For Crows was produced using AI generative art. To our knowledge and as presented by the artist who completed the work in question there was NO such programing used. While he is a digital multimedia artist and relies on digital programing to complete his work, he has expressed unequivocally that no AI was used, and we believe him. SOâ€| The official word from our office is, of course, that we DO NOT, never have and will not willingly work with A.I generative artists in any way shape or form. THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MINIONS OF FEVRE RIVER." io9 reached out to Random House for comment and was told, "Random House is aware of the allegations, and we have spoken with the artist, who has assured us that AI was not used on this project. We believe the artist."

'No AI Was Used': George R.R. Martin's Team Responds After Fans Say Game of Thrones Anniversary Edition Uses Generative AI Art, Copies Fan Designs

A statement posted on Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin's blog has addressed claims that AI-generated art was used within the new anniversary edition of A Feast For Crows. The statement comes amid growing fury that the new version of Martin's fourth A Song of Ice and Fire tomb has been illustrated with AI artwork. Fan discussion on social media and reddit has been alight with accusations that the images look AI-generated, are of poor quality, and appear similar to previous fan designs. Now, the manager in charge of artwork for the book has spoken out to deny any AI usage on behalf of the artist, Jeffrey R. McDonald. Unusually, the statement has been posted directly on Martin's own blog -- where the author has previously railed against AI himself. "My name is Raya Golden and I manage the art direction and licensing development here at Fevre River working closely with GRRM as his schedule will allow," the statement reads. "But I alone am responsible for approving all the licensed art that accompanies our SOI&F book driven materials. "Recently there have been accusations floating around that the Penguin Random House's illustrated edition of A Feast For Crows was produced using AI generative art. To our knowledge and as presented by the artist who completed the work in question there was no such programing used. "While he is a digital multimedia artist and relies on digital programing to complete his work, he has expressed unequivocally that no AI was used, and we believe him," the statement concludes. "SO The official word from our office is, of course, that we do not willingly work with AI generative artists in any way shape or form." But even with the AI suggestion addressed, fans on reddit have collated a long list of errors and oddities found within the images, such as the inclusion of a Christian cross, and a bald character having hair. Another example, above, shows the similarity between a piece of fan art for Lady Stoneheart, and the new official illustration. Martin -- who is currently waging war against OpenAI in a wide-ranging legal battle alongside other authors -- previously dubbed AI as "the world's most expensive and energy-intensive plagiarism machine." Last month, the writer gave his latest update on the long-awaited The Winds of Winter, which fans have been waiting 15 years for. Speaking at New York Comic Con, Martin said he always felt frustrated when failing to turn work in on time. Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social