Summary of "This book contains AI Art."

Overview

The creator is redoing and reprinting their first book/game, Idols of Torment. The original 2020 edition contains some AI-generated artwork; the creator plans to discontinue and destroy remaining copies and produce a new edition with no AI art. The reprint will also include format changes, rule revisions, and new artwork.

The goal: remove AI-generated art entirely, preserve and commission human-made pieces where possible, and release a refreshed, ethically produced edition in time for Edmonton GameCon.

Reasons for the reprint

The original book was made in 2020 during the pandemic and used MidJourney early in its beta alongside commissioned/licensed human artwork.
Over time the creator learned about ethical, environmental, and cultural harms associated with generative AI and now regrets including AI pieces in the book.
They want to sanitize the product line (discontinue the old print run) and replace AI-sourced art with work by living artists.

Key changes in the new edition

Format change: reformat to A5.
Language and layout: clean up wording and complete layout work.
Game design: revise some rules and completely replace the echo deck mechanic.
Artwork: remove AI-generated images and replace them with new art by Scribble Skull (Josh); preserve licensed human art where possible.
Physical assets: produce and release an STL terrain set for FDM 3D printing.
Distribution: prepare files and printed stock for retail and conventions; offer the PDF likely for free to grow the community.

Artistic techniques, concepts, and creative processes shown

Use of generative AI (MidJourney) early in its beta as an image-making tool and style source.
Commissioning and licensing artwork from individual artists.
Layout and book redesign (reformatting to A5, language edits, rule revisions).
Game design iteration (reworking a core mechanic — the echo deck).
Collaboration with freelance/guest artists to replace or expand artwork.
Physical publishing decisions: discontinuation/sanitization of an existing print run and reprinting a new edition.
Community-building via free digital distribution and hobby assets (STL terrain).

Steps, materials, and practical actions

Identify and remove AI-generated artwork from the existing book.
Preserve original human-made art where licensed; commission new pieces to fill gaps.
Change book format to A5 and complete the layout.
Clean up language and adjust game rules; redesign the echo deck and its functionality.
Coordinate closely with replacement artist(s) (Scribble Skull / Josh) on a tight schedule.
Prepare print-ready files and arrange printing in time for Edmonton GameCon (June).
Replace the old book on the webstore with the new edition and pursue retail stocking.
Offer the PDF version (likely free) to encourage community growth.
Design and release an FDM-printable STL terrain set.

Timeline and logistics

Tight deadline: new edition aimed to be ready for Edmonton GameCon in June.
Production priorities: artwork replacement, layout conversion to A5, rule adjustments, print preparation, and physical stock for the convention.

Creators and contributors

JP — co-creator / best friend
Nalia Dark Art — artist; licensed pieces in the original book
San Noseratu — artist; original order art
Scribble Skull (Josh) — artist producing replacement artwork for the reprint
MidJourney — AI tool used during the original production

Distribution and community strategy

PDF: likely offered free to lower the barrier to entry and help grow the player community.
Physical: reprint for conventions and retail; remove remaining copies of the AI-containing edition from sale and destroy remaining stock.
Hobby assets: release printable STL terrain to support tabletop play and community engagement.