Epic Games has officially sold ArtStation and Sketchfab to KitBash3D, ending its four-year ownership of two of the creative industry's biggest digital art platforms, and many artists couldn't be happier.
The deal, announced on August 10, sees KitBash3D take over both platforms for an undisclosed amount.
While Epic says it's refocusing on Unreal Engine, Fortnite, and the Epic Games Store, the loudest reaction has come from ArtStation's community, where users are hoping the sale marks the beginning of a renewed focus on artists rather than AI-generated content.
Emmanuel Umahi
Epic Is Moving On From ArtStation and Sketchfab
Epic acquired ArtStation and Sketchfab in 2021 as part of its broader push into the creator ecosystem. Four years later, both platforms are now joining KitBash3D, the company best known for its premium 3D asset library and creative tools.
In announcing the sale, Epic said it will continue to prioritize its core businesses, including Unreal Engine 6, Fortnite, its developer ecosystem, and the Epic Games Store.
For creators, however, the immediate takeaway is that nothing changes overnight. ArtStation confirmed that portfolios, libraries, purchases, and core workflows will continue to function exactly as they do today.
Why So Many Artists Are Celebrating
The overwhelmingly positive reaction has less to do with KitBash3D itself and more to do with frustration that has built up during Epic's ownership.
Since 2021, many artists have argued that AI-generated artwork and 3D assets have flooded ArtStation's marketplace, making it increasingly difficult for original creators to have their work discovered. Others have accused AI sellers of using generated content to imitate or undercut genuine artists.
On Reddit, one user summed up the mood by writing, “Free from Epic and their love of AI slop.”
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