EDIT: Previously, this article erroneously typed every instance of Sketchfab as "SketchUp" and was thumbnailed as such. It has since been fixed.
In a bit of an unexpected move, Epic Games has sold ArtStation and Sketchfab to KitBash, which operates KitBash3D and Greyscalegorilla. According to them, the selling was primarily influenced by a desire to focus on Unreal Engine 6, Fortnite, and the storefront in general.
In the long run, what will this affect? Probably not much, but new ownership can change a lot of ways that a company is run and what it can put out, so it might drastically change the art of some games later down the line.
Quote From Epic Games Today we announced that the ArtStation and Sketchfab platforms are becoming part of KitBash, the company behind 3D art platforms KitBash3D and Greyscalegorilla. Using KitBash3D and Greyscalegorilla, artists and studios can access extensive libraries of 3D assets and materials, professional design and animation tools, educational resources, and workflow technology that is integrated directly into leading creative applications.
ArtStation and Sketchfab are joining KitBash as Epic continues to prioritize building Unreal Engine 6, Fortnite, the developer ecosystem, and the Epic Games Store.
“ArtStation and Sketchfab are go-to platforms for artists to share and manage their art. KitBash will expand opportunities for artists at every stage of their creation process to connect and showcase their work in new ways,” said Bill Clifford, SVP of the Unreal Ecosystem at Epic Games. “KitBash and Epic have had a longstanding partnership and we look forward to continuing to work together to offer open and accessible platforms for all creators.”
“KitBash has been part of the creative community for over a decade, and we know firsthand how central ArtStation and Sketchfab are to artists and 3D creators around the world,” said Banks Boutté, Co-CEO of KitBash. “These are platforms where people have built portfolios, careers, and communities. That trust is real, and our first priority is to protect what users value most about each platform, listen to the people who rely on them, and build thoughtfully for the future.”
More information on today’s news can be found on ArtStation Magazine and Sketchfab blog as well as the KitBash3D site.
ArtStation and KitBash3D provide some FAQs on what exactly this will entail for the artistic side of things.
Quote From ArtStation Frequently Asked Questions
Does this change how I use ArtStation?
No. You can still upload your portfolio, publish blogs, buy and sell 2D and 3D assets and prints, and discover creative jobs and talent on ArtStation just like you have before. Your login and previous portfolio uploads stay exactly the same.
Does anything change for Pro subscribers?
No.
Am I still going to be able to use ArtStation Jobs to find/post jobs?
Yes. All job-seeking and posting features will continue running exactly as they do now.
Who can I contact for customer support?
Please direct inquiries to [email protected].
Does my art still belong to me?
Yes. Your intellectual property and art always belongs to you. KitBash is committed to protecting creator ownership, attribution, and creative rights.
What is happening with the ArtStation Digital Marketplace and Prints Marketplace?
Users can continue to purchase art through the ArtStation Digital Marketplace or Prints Marketplace.
Quote From KitBash3D FAQs
Does this change how I use KitBash3D or Cargo?
No. There are no changes to how you use KitBash3D and Cargo. Your Kits, assets, and existing subscriptions will continue to operate exactly as they do today.
Does this mean asset prices or subscription rates will go up?
No. There are no changes to pricing for KitBash3D products or subscriptions as part of this announcement.
How does this benefit me as a KitBash3D customer?
Bringing KitBash3D, Greyscalegorilla, ArtStation, and Sketchfab together connects complementary parts of the 3D creative journey, from learning new techniques and building your work to showcasing, publishing, and discovering what comes next. Over time, this creates opportunities to make those experiences more connected while continuing to support the Greyscalegorilla tools and training you rely on today.
Are there immediate product integrations or roadmaps being announced?
No, we are taking the time to listen first and learn directly from the people who use these spaces every single day. We will share updates transparently as our long-term plans develop.
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