Combating sport legend SonicFox pulls out of gaming occasion over AI-generated artwork

Combating sport esports star SonicFox has pulled out of an upcoming gaming conference after being made conscious of promotional flyer for the occasion that includes them, saying they “completely refused” to have their likeness be AI-generated.

The competitor was marketed as a particular visitor at Nexcon 2026, happening November 14–15 in Norman, Oklahoma, however terminated their contract, saying their curiosity in attending had “dropped to zero” after being made conscious of the flyer.

Occasion organizer Ninjustu Leisure has since posted a video response stating that it didn’t imply to disrespect SonicFox.

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SonicFox says they could rethink for future occasions

“I’m a forgiving individual and I can hear the regret in your voice so I forgive you, SonicFox mentioned in response to Ninjutsu Leisure’s video.

“Nevertheless, there are nonetheless penalties to mentioned actions that may immediate me to not attend,” they continued, suggesting that the organizer use the cash they supplied them to attend to rent artists.

SonicFox cancels Nexcon look over AI artwork

The controversy started when X person Z2WJustin tagged SonicFox and voice actress Kara Edwards in a submit highlighting promotional materials that the occasion’s venue in Norman, Oklahoma, is believed to have created utilizing AI.

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“Undecided who’s accountable for Nexcon however I completely refuse to have my likeness be AI generated and my curiosity in attending as a particular visitor has dropped to 0. Extremely disrespectful,” SonicFox responded.

Following the backlash, Z2WJustin shared an replace saying the organizers had reached out and had been taking steps to deal with the difficulty.

“Wish to add that they did attain out to me right now and let me know they’re working with actual artists to sort things and attempting to ban AI artwork from their platform totally,” they wrote.

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Nevertheless, these efforts weren’t sufficient to persuade SonicFox to rethink their look.

“Replace: Contract terminated and now not attending!” the preventing sport star confirmed in a subsequent submit.

As of writing, SonixFox continues to be listed as a particular visitor on the Nexcon 2026 web site alongside Dragon Ball voice actor Kara Edwards. Edwards hasn’t commented on the flyer or its contents.

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Dexerto has contacted occasion organizers Ninjutsu Leisure for remark.