“AI can’t replicate the soul of a scene,” says AFK Arena’s lead environment artist
Chenrui ZENG, the lead environment artist for Lilith Games' AFK Arena, shares a thoughtful perspective on the role of AI in game art. Known for its hand-drawn, Art Nouveau-inspired style, AFK Arena’s visuals carry a distinct emotional weight that sets it apart.
Chenrui has experimented with AI and 3D tools over the years but remains clear about the value of traditional hand-drawing. For him, understanding the process and time behind creating art is key to appreciating what AI can actually contribute. “AI for me isn’t a co-creator,” he explains.
AI as a tool, not a creator
Chenrui sees AI primarily as a tool for searching references and sparking inspiration. It can speed up certain tasks, but it falls short of capturing the human intuition that gives a scene its soul. This human touch is what brings emotional warmth and creates a meaningful connection with players.
He emphasizes that the personal insight artists bring—through their grasp of scene concepts, themes, player expectations, and their own aesthetic experience—cannot be replaced by AI. These elements are crucial to preserving the depth and feeling in game environments.
Looking ahead with AI
Chenrui is optimistic about AI helping to streamline technical tasks, freeing artists to focus on what truly matters: emotional resonance and narrative depth. He hopes these technologies become extensions of creativity rather than shortcuts, helping artists build immersive and vast game worlds.
Get involved: Monsters Gone Wild art contest
If you’re interested in game art, Lilith Games has teamed up with drawing tablet maker XPPen to launch the Monsters Gone Wild global art contest. The challenge invites artists to redesign popular characters and creatures from AFK Arena.
For inspiration and details, visit Lilith Games’ official site. XPPen offers some of the best drawing tablets, including the recent Magic Note Pad, ideal for casual sketching and note-taking. Prizes include these tablets and more.
- Explore how AI can assist your creative workflow without replacing your vision.
- Consider hand-drawing fundamentals as the foundation of authentic game art.
- Participate in contests like Monsters Gone Wild to sharpen your skills and gain exposure.
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