Yeah, I get what you’re saying. I also see, at least for now, that Makerworld not only allows fan art of IP brands but encourages it with contests like these. For example, the Video Games of the 90’s top prize was based off Nintendo’s Mario Kart.
I was just commenting how for this contest specifically, where Makerworld’s own description of the theme centered around designs inspired by childhood memories (cartoons, toys, and games), were ultimately won by models that didn’t really seem to follow that theme. It’s kind of like running a car design contest and the theme is centered around classic 1950’s cars, then awarding the win to a very impressive modern-day sports car. It makes you wonder how the judging criteria are actually being weighed.
Your idea is a good one. I’ll admit, it does give people (myself included) a bit of an edge using something already proven to be popular to win a contest. But if we’re talking about real money and commercial use, then what about earning points with IP-based models, since points can also have monetary value? It might only be a matter of time before Makerworld restricts IP entirely, not just in contests but on their platform overall. Don’t even get me started on AI generated IP models that rack up so many points so quickly, but that’s a whole other topic of discussion.