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.
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