Displate Denies Claims Over Fulgrim Artwork After Fan Scrutiny

AI Art Accusations have put Displate under sharp scrutiny after fans questioned the origin of a limited edition Warhammer 40,000 Fulgrim poster. The company has rejected claims that generative tools were involved, stating that the concerns stem from a human production error rather than artificial intelligence.

The controversy centers on a $149 3D-printed Fulgrim Limited Edition artwork sold through Displate’s online marketplace. The platform specializes in metal posters and works under license with major brands, including Games Workshop. Fulgrim is a central figure in Warhammer 40,000 lore, one of the Emperor’s Primarchs and a key character in The Horus Heresy. His recent return to the setting as a Daemon Primarch of Slaanesh has made the character especially prominent, raising expectations around any official depiction.

The issue surfaced after Warhammer 40,000 YouTuber Luetin removed a promotional post for the artwork. He pointed to a section of the image that appeared to feature misaligned geometry, a visual flaw often associated by fans with generative AI output. The post spread rapidly across Warhammer-focused online communities, where users examined the artwork for further irregularities.

“I have no way of confirming this, so I must underline this remains entirely speculative,” Luetin said. “But based on just the potential for this, I have removed that post - and until I can get a clear answer one way or the other - I do not currently intend to work with them again in the future.” — Luetin

Luetin also noted his prior positive experiences with Displate’s official Warhammer products, calling the situation disappointing. He advised customers who had already purchased the Fulgrim piece to assess the artwork themselves and consider refunds if necessary.

Displate responded publicly on its subreddit after the accusations gained traction. A company representative posting under the name WallOverthePlace stated that no AI was used at any stage of the artwork’s creation. According to Displate, the piece was digitally painted by one of its in-house artists as part of its licensed Warhammer project.

The company attributed the disputed detail to a production oversight. During revisions, elements of the composition were adjusted, and a small cut-off edge from an earlier version was not fully repainted before final delivery. Displate acknowledged that the flaw should have been caught during quality control, especially given the status of Limited Edition releases.

“Designing a Limited Edition is a long and complex process, but this mistake should have been caught during QC,” the company said. — Displate

Displate emphasized that fan sensitivity around generative tools is well understood, particularly in communities where artistic legacy holds significant weight. The company stated that none of its licensed artworks have been or will be created using AI, stressing that all Limited Editions are produced entirely by human artists, either internally or through vetted collaborators.

“To be completely clear: none of our licensed artworks have been or will be AI-generated,” Displate said. — Displate

In response to customer concerns, Displate offered replacements to those who already received the Fulgrim artwork. Buyers can request a corrected version while retaining the same Limited Edition print number and certificate. Customers who prefer to keep the original version are free to do so. Orders that have not yet shipped will receive the corrected artwork, though delivery will occur after the New Year.

The reaction highlights the broader context surrounding Warhammer 40,000 art. The franchise’s visual identity was shaped by artists such as John Blanche, whose work defined its grimdark tone. Official artwork is deeply tied to the brand’s credibility, appearing not only in collectible prints but also in premium codex rulebooks sold by Games Workshop. Any suggestion that such art might involve generative AI risks damaging trust within a community that closely monitors authenticity.

Generative AI remains a contentious issue across entertainment sectors, with debates focused on authorship, labor, and artistic integrity. In fandoms built on decades of human-created imagery, even perceived use of AI can trigger swift backlash.

Displate closed its response by apologizing for the confusion and thanking the community for holding creators to high standards. The company framed the incident as a reminder of the scrutiny placed on licensed art and the importance of transparency in production processes.

“We appreciate the community holding creators to high standards - that same standard is exactly what we expect of ourselves,” Displate said. — Displate

Read also: Larian Studios has outlined firm limits on generative AI as Divinity moves into full production, confirming that while AI may assist internally, all shipped game content will remain entirely human-made.