Quarterly Challenge

We have now entered the second quarter of the year. With the rise of AI and new technologies, not to mention microchip shortages and everything else going on, it is time for us as artists to reflect on the situation.

For this challenge, we want to explore the man versus machine theme from various philosophical perspectives! In particular, we want to explore the digital versus reality aspect! 

Can you capture this in a miniature? For this quarterly challenge and all future ones, Scott will be participating and showing off your entries as well! 

When the quarter is over, Scott will release a video in the theme of the challenge and showcase all your hard efforts. He has missed the last two due to his current move, but will be back-tracking to complete all the previous ones. (I promise)

We will provide a list of references to inspire you:

  • Marathon (2026 - Bungie)
  • Pragmata (2026 - Capcom)
  • I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream (Cyberdreams)
  • SOMA
  • System Shock (1 & 2)
  • Deus Ex (Human Revolution, Mankind Divided)
  • Observer
  • The Talos Principle
  • Beneath a Steel Sky
  • Dead Synchronicity: Tomorrow Comes Today
  • Blade Runner
  • Ex machina
  • The Matrix
  • Her
  • Ghost in the Shell
  • Neuromancer 
  • Westworld
  • Black Mirror

For more inspiration topics:

  • Artificial consciousness
  • Loss of human agency
  • AI as god / jailer / mirror
  • Machine ethics vs human ethics
  • Post-human identity
  • Suffering without death (Ellison-style horror)
  • Simulation, control, and false realities

Submission requirements

  1. The model can be any type of scale
  2. The model can be from any brand
  3. The model can be a miniature or bust
  4. The model must follow the list of references or must reflect the topic of Man vs Machine. 

Finally: 

  1. The model must be new for this challenge — assembled or primed at the start.

  2. You cannot submit models painted before the quarter began.

Here are some questions related to the challenge:

Can I use AI for creating models, figures or anything else?

  • This is a very sensitive and interesting topic to discuss. The idea is to reflect this concept of AI based on human capabilities. We recommend and encourage you not to use AI to create models, backgrounds, etc. If you do use it, we recommend giving a good justification and discussing it on Discord to see what direction you want to take, as criticism and not as a shortcut. 

Deadline: When does it need to be finished?

  • All submissions must be completed by July 13st, 2026.

Can I use models already painted?

  • Models must be new, assembled, or primed at the start of the challenge.

  • You cannot use models painted before the quarterly as part of an army submission.

Can I make a diorama or a scene?

  • Absolutely! 

What scale can we choose?

  • You can choose any miniature / Bust of any scale and from any brand you want! 

Can the miniature be 3D printed? Or must it be a plastic, metal or resin-casted type?

  • You can choose any miniature you want!

Point System Refresher