Is it true Pokémon is not utilizing artificial intelligence in creating their artwork?
In the world of Pokémon, excitement is usually the order of the day, but recently, a cloud of suspicion has been hanging over the promotional artwork for the Pokémon Astronomical Observatory museum exhibit.
The artwork, which debuted on November 1, 2025, features Pikachu and other Pokémon characters surrounded by astronomy-themed elements. Fans have generally found the artwork visually impressive, but some have raised concerns about the background of the artwork, particularly the observatory itself.
These concerns stem from the observation of odd shapes and inconsistencies in the observatory design, which some believe are characteristic of AI-generated images. However, neither Niantic nor The Pokémon Company has confirmed or denied the use of AI art for this or previous promotions.
The controversy has sparked a broader discussion about the increasing skepticism towards digital artwork, with fans fearing signs of AI involvement. The Pokémon Company has yet to respond to the controversy.
This is not the first time such a controversy has arisen. Earlier this year, the artwork for the Fantastic Four reboot was also called into question, with evidence suggesting that it might not be entirely human-made.
Meanwhile, developments in AI art continue to advance. The recent unveiling of GPT-5 and Google's controversial Gemini AI Storybook generator have only added to the debate. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, it remains to be seen how it will impact the world of art and design.
This article was picked by the editors of Creative Bloq, a leading source for daily design news, reviews, how-tos, and more. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
- Critics have questioned the authenticity of the layout within the promotional artwork for the Pokémon Astronomical Observatory exhibit, which debuted on November 1, 2025.
- The digital art, a visual blend of Pokémon characters and astronomy, has generally been praised as visually impressive, but concerns about the observatory's 3D design continue to persist.
- Some fans believe that the odd shapes and inconsistencies in the observatory design are characteristic of AI-generated images, a notion that has not been confirmed or denied by either Niantic or The Pokémon Company.
- As the conversation surrounding AI art becomes more heated, fans fear that signs of artificial intelligence involvement could tarnish the credibility of digital artwork.
- The Pokémon Company has yet to address the ongoing controversy, but it echoes a similar controversy that surfaced earlier this year regarding the artwork for the Fantastic Four reboot.
- In the realm of art and design, AI technology continues to evolve rapidly, with advancements like GPT-5 and Google's Gemini AI Storybook generator fueling the debate about AI's impact on the creative world.
- As technology progresses, it is crucial for artists, designers, and consumers to remain informed about the role of AI in the creation of art, including digital posters, logos, and more.
