OpenAI Pauses Image Generation in ChatGPT After Studio Ghibli Trend
OpenAI has suspended the rollout of its image generation feature in ChatGPT for free users shortly after its launch. This decision follows the viral popularity of images created in the style of Studio Ghibli, prompting CEO Sam Altman to announce a delay until further notice. The feature had allowed users to generate images directly within the chat interface, leading to a flood of creative content on social media.
The trend saw users transforming personal photos and historical moments into Ghibli-style illustrations, with many sharing their creations online. While some embraced the novelty, others expressed frustration over the saturation of such content and raised concerns about its impact on the original Studio Ghibli art. Notably, Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has openly criticized AI-generated art.
Currently, the image generation feature remains accessible to paid subscribers, with free users limited to three images per day. OpenAI has not provided a timeline for when the feature will be available to all users again.