Fighting game competitor Dominique “SonicFox” McLean has withdrawn from Nexcon 2026 after discovering that promotional artwork for the convention used generative AI to recreate their likeness. The flyer also appeared to feature AI-generated versions of other attending creators.
SonicFox cancelled their special-guest appearance soon after seeing the material. they posted on X: “Update: Contract terminated and no longer attending! :3”
Not sure who’s in charge of Nexcon but I absolutely refuse to have my likeness be AI generated and my interest in attending as a special guest has dropped to 0.
Incredibly disrespectful.
Nexcon 2026 is a gaming, anime and creator convention organised by Ninjutsu Entertainment in Norman, Oklahoma. Following the cancellation, Ninjutsu Entertainment co-founder Ty Bailey published a video acknowledging the use of AI and asking SonicFox to reconsider.
Bailey accepted responsibility for creating the flyer with generative AI. He said that he and his business partner did not like using the technology, but claimed their work on the convention had left them without money to hire artists. He also explained that the pair were running the event alongside day jobs of more than 40 hours a week, had limited convention experience and had struggled to find artists after they had already begun using AI.
Bailey apologised while insisting that the convention would continue. He ended the video with a direct appeal to SonicFox: “We’re not gonna stop the con, but we definitely need you SonicFox. And I really hope you can come out here still.”
The dispute is another reminder that the presentation and promotion of gaming events can matter just as much as the on-stage programme. For more coverage of the wider gaming and arcade industry, explore the RETROCADE blog.
SonicFox acknowledged Bailey’s remorse but maintained their decision not to attend. they wrote that forgiveness did not remove the consequences of the decision.
“I’m a forgiving person and I can hear the remorse in your voice so I forgive you. However, there are still consequences to said actions that will prompt me not to attend. Use the money you offered me in contract to hire artists, and maybe next year I’ll reconsider. Sorry.”
That response leaves the door open to a possible future appearance, but SonicFox will not attend Nexcon 2026. Event organisers wanting to build trust with gaming communities may find that transparent creative processes are as important as the event itself, whether they are promoting a convention, an arcade video or a new arcade machine.
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