The increasing availability of artificially generated imagery has profoundly impacted the creation and dissemination of visual depictions of characters from the Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) tabletop role-playing game. This phenomenon refers to the widespread presence of AI-generated images portraying player characters (PCs) and non-player characters (NPCs) within the D&D community. For example, where traditionally players might commission an artist or rely on their own drawing skills to visualize their character, they can now use AI tools to create numerous character portraits based on textual descriptions.
The rise of this trend offers several advantages, including accessibility for players with limited artistic skills or budgets, the potential for rapid iteration of character designs, and the exploration of diverse visual styles. However, it also raises concerns regarding the potential devaluation of human artists, the ethical implications of using AI-generated content, and the potential for homogenization of artistic styles within the D&D community. The ease with which individuals can now generate character art is reshaping how players engage with the visual aspects of the game.
