The poker world isn't immune to trends, and the latest one sweeping social media is Studio Ghibli. Or, more specifically, turning existing images into 'bespoke' bits of art that mimic the iconic Studio Ghibli house style, using the latest Chat GPT-4o update that dropped on Tuesday.
Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation house that's created some incredible films, with a style all its own – described as 'magic realism' – and the product of a huge amount of work and dedication.
This X post makes clear the incredible amount of time and effort that's put into creating a Studio Ghibli film.
So, a ChatGPT filter that lets anyone replicate its unique style at the push of a button is a stark reminder of the changes that are sweeping through the world and the challenges they pose to human creativity.
My Neighbor Daniel Negreanu
The poker world didn't take long to catch up with the trend. PokerGO posted images it had created of Daniel Negreanu (see top), Alan Keating, and some iconic images from High Stakes Poker and No Gamble No Future.
PokerCoaching.com got in on the act. And some of the world's most iconic memes have been reposted after getting the Studio Ghibli treatment.
We can hear you at the back. Isn't this fun? And, sure, on a very basic level it is. But Miyazaki won't be laughing. And it poses bigger questions around copyright and what's right and fair when it comes to replicating work that has taken people decades to perfect. Just because we can doesn't mean we should.
There were some dissenting voices. Former poker pro Liv Boeree quote-tweeted a post containing a haunting image from Spirited Away that added, "To all of you eagerly prompting Ghibli-like pictures: just think about the next time you'll watch a Studio Ghibli film. Would it feel the same? Would it still touch you like it used to? You're burning all your pathways to meaningful emotion without giving it a second thought."
Scott Seiver is a Ghibli fan
If nothing else, hopefully the trend will shine an even brighter light on Studio Ghibli, which put out a statement to Variety following the Imax release on Thursday of a new 4K version of one of its classics, Princess Mononoke: "In a time when technology tries to replicate humanity, we are thrilled that audiences value a theatrical experience that respects and celebrates Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece in all its cinematic hand-drawn glory.”
Scott Seiver, has already bought his ticket: "Going to watch [Princess] Mononoke in Imax this week and be thankful that it’s possible to watch art in all of its beauty before my brain becomes numb to it because of the deluge of slop."
Perhaps we should end by quoting Miyazaki, who said at the end of a clip condemning AI that's resurfaced in recent days, "I feel like we are nearing the end of times. We humans are losing faith in ourselves."
And by sharing a list of our favorite Studio Ghibli films. The studio has made 22 films in total — if you haven't watched any, start here.
The best Studio Ghibli films
- Spirited Away (watch the trailer below)
- Princess Mononoke (out in Imax theatres now)
- Grave of the Fireflies
- My Neighbor Totoro
- Howl's Moving Castle
