Epic Games has sold ArtStation and Sketchfab, two prominent platforms for 3D art and video game assets, to asset library company KitBash3D. The undisclosed sum marks a return to independent ownership for the platforms, which Epic Games acquired in 2021. The announcement was made on August 10 by Epic Games, KitBash3D, and ArtStation.
While Epic Games stated its focus will remain on Unreal Engine 6, Fortnite, and its developer ecosystem, ArtStation's communication emphasized the impact of the sale on its user base. ArtStation's statement assured users that there would be no changes to how creators access or use the platform, with portfolios, libraries, and core workflows continuing as before. "Together with ArtStation and Sketchfab’s art publishing and discovery platforms, artists are supported across the creative process from bringing ideas to life to sharing their work and building their careers," read ArtStation's announcement.
Since Epic's acquisition of ArtStation and Sketchfab in 2021, a significant portion of the user community had voiced concerns regarding the proliferation of AI-generated art and assets. Artists reported that these AI creations were frequently overwhelming human-made work and sometimes used to mislead customers.
Following the sale to KitBash3D, many users expressed optimism about the platforms' future. Comments on platforms like Reddit indicated a desire for ArtStation to return to its perceived former state, free from what some users described as "AI slop." One user on Reddit stated, "Free from Epic and their love of AI slop. That’s some good news I hope." Another expressed relief, stating, "I have no faith in Epic Games, it is genuinely impressive how they manage to fuck-up everything they touch. I am very happy that 2 of my favorite websites on the internet are not under their control anymore."
In the wake of the sale, ArtStation released a statement on X acknowledging the feedback from artists. "There’s trust to earn, a lot to learn, and important work ahead. The feedback we’re hearing from artists matters," the platform stated, expressing hope for the upcoming chapter. The company also indicated it is actively listening to its community's input.