As I get closer to finalising the rulebook for Nobles & Glory, I’ve come across a creative decision that many independent creators are likely facing as well. It concerns the artwork. Specifically, how to illustrate a historically grounded game on a limited budget while maintaining visual consistency and thematic tone.
Initially, I considered using public domain medieval art. There is an obvious authenticity to these images. Medieval manuscripts and woodcuts carry a distinct sense of time and place. These were created by people who actually lived during the period my game seeks to evoke. Using them would give the rulebook a historical grounding that is hard to replicate. However, most of these images are low-resolution and vary significantly in style depending on origin and period. This inconsistency makes it difficult to maintain a cohesive visual identity, and that could undermine the immersive experience I want to create.
This led me to explore the use of AI-generated art. I understand that AI art is a controversial topic. It raises important concerns, particularly around the role of human artists and the creative process. If I had the budget to hire an illustrator to work closely with me and create bespoke artwork for the game, I would do so without hesitation. Unfortunately, that is not a viable option for this project.
What I have found is that AI provides a surprising amount of creative control. By refining prompts and testing outcomes, I can generate images that reflect the exact tone I’m looking for. The artwork can be stylised, and thematically appropriate. Even better, it can be designed to reflect specific rules or concepts in the game. For example, an illustration showing the construction of a Heart-themed cathedral can accompany the section on the Grand Construction Action. This level of alignment between mechanics and visuals is difficult to achieve with historical art alone.
There is also the matter of compensation. When using AI tools, I am at least paying for access and contributing to the infrastructure behind them. With public domain images, there is no such exchange. While those works are historically meaningful, they do not support any ongoing creative ecosystem, nor do they always fit the visual demands of a modern game rulebook.
At this point, I am leaning toward using AI-generated artwork. This decision was not made lightly. I have considered the trade-offs at length. But I believe AI allows me to produce a rulebook that is not only visually consistent but also thematically tailored to the world of Nobles & Glory. It aligns with my vision more directly than the other available options.
Cheers,
Jonathan
