We’ve seen ongoing discussions around players “tracing” images in their artwork. While tracing can sometimes mean manually drawing over a reference, our recent investigations have revealed that some cases involved botting, and not just tracing.
To clarify:
• Tracing typically refers to a player using a reference or overlay and manually drawing over it. While it may raise questions about originality, the work is still done by hand.
• Botting, on the other hand, involves using automated tools or scripts to generate art without any manual input.
Previously, we shared an announcement about supporting artists who use third-party tools to assist in their creative process, such as digital tablets, digital pens or overlay techniques. However, this does not mean we allow the use of bots or automation to create art. There’s a clear distinction between tools that may assist manual creativity and those that eliminate it altogether.
We understand the concerns raised by the artist community. Botting undermines fairness and the spirit of genuine artistic expression, and we are actively investigating and taking action against any accounts involved in this behavior. The use of bots in any form to generate art devalues the time, effort, and talent of our dedicated creators.
We’re also exploring the possibility of introducing a system where players can submit their spaces and photos to our team for review to be featured. Alongside this, we would restructure the Spaces panel to feature these spaces into new categories. We're also looking into other creative showcase methods, similar to the Flickr boards that were once available. If you’re interested in having one of your spaces featured, be sure to check out our current space competition! The winner will have their space showcased for one month. A reward for their creativity and dedication.
You can find our guidelines below, or view them directly here.
SmallVerse Guidelines
External Software & Automation Tools
You are strictly prohibited from using any external software, applications, scripts, or tools for the purpose of:
All artwork, models, or creations must be made entirely by hand, using only the official tools and resources provided by the platform.
The use of drawing tablets and digital pens (e.g., graphic tablets, styluses, or tablets with manual input) is allowed, as long as they do not use third-party software or automation features that assist or modify the artwork beyond manual control.
Any violation of this rule may result in, but is not limited to:
To clarify:
• Tracing typically refers to a player using a reference or overlay and manually drawing over it. While it may raise questions about originality, the work is still done by hand.
• Botting, on the other hand, involves using automated tools or scripts to generate art without any manual input.
Previously, we shared an announcement about supporting artists who use third-party tools to assist in their creative process, such as digital tablets, digital pens or overlay techniques. However, this does not mean we allow the use of bots or automation to create art. There’s a clear distinction between tools that may assist manual creativity and those that eliminate it altogether.
We understand the concerns raised by the artist community. Botting undermines fairness and the spirit of genuine artistic expression, and we are actively investigating and taking action against any accounts involved in this behavior. The use of bots in any form to generate art devalues the time, effort, and talent of our dedicated creators.
We’re also exploring the possibility of introducing a system where players can submit their spaces and photos to our team for review to be featured. Alongside this, we would restructure the Spaces panel to feature these spaces into new categories. We're also looking into other creative showcase methods, similar to the Flickr boards that were once available. If you’re interested in having one of your spaces featured, be sure to check out our current space competition! The winner will have their space showcased for one month. A reward for their creativity and dedication.
You can find our guidelines below, or view them directly here.
SmallVerse Guidelines
External Software & Automation Tools
You are strictly prohibited from using any external software, applications, scripts, or tools for the purpose of:
- Performing image tracing or vectorization from reference images
- Reproducing or redrawing images pixel by pixel using automated or assisted methods
- Using any tool or software that automates, simplifies, or accelerates the manual process of sculpting, drawing, or designing
- Converting existing images into pixel art, isometric models, paintings or sculptures via automated means
All artwork, models, or creations must be made entirely by hand, using only the official tools and resources provided by the platform.
The use of drawing tablets and digital pens (e.g., graphic tablets, styluses, or tablets with manual input) is allowed, as long as they do not use third-party software or automation features that assist or modify the artwork beyond manual control.
Any violation of this rule may result in, but is not limited to:
- Immediate disqualification (for contests or events)
- Removal of the content
- Suspension or permanent termination of your account
- Other actions deemed appropriate by the SmallVerse Team