Nintendo has firmly denied allegations that it utilized AI-generated images for the billboards featured in the upcoming game, Mario Kart World. The controversy emerged following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that showcased new elements of the game, where keen observers noticed peculiar images on in-game advertisements, including a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, sparking speculation about the use of AI.
It's common for pre-release games to feature placeholder graphics that are not intended for the final version. However, Nintendo was quick to address the rumors, issuing a statement to Eurogamer that clarified, "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."
The debate over generative AI in creative industries, including video game development, is intensifying. Beyond ethical and copyright concerns, labor unions are worried about AI's potential to displace jobs, prompting video game performers to advocate for stronger protections against its use.
In September of the previous year, renowned Nintendo developer Shigeru Miyamoto expressed that the company aims to take a unique path regarding AI. While EA CEO Andrew Wilson has stated that AI is central to their operations—a stance further examined by IGN—Miyamoto emphasized Nintendo's distinct approach.
During an interview with The New York Times, Miyamoto discussed AI, noting, "It might seem like we are just going the opposite direction for the sake of going in the opposite direction, but it really is trying to find what makes Nintendo special. There is a lot of talk about A.I., for example. When that happens, everyone starts to go in the same direction, but that is where Nintendo would rather go in a different direction."
Miyamoto's perspective aligns with comments made by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who acknowledged the potential of generative AI in creative processes but highlighted the challenges related to intellectual property rights. Furukawa emphasized Nintendo's commitment to leveraging its decades of expertise to deliver unique gaming experiences, stating, "While we are open to utilizing technological developments, we will work to continue delivering value that is unique to Nintendo and cannot be created by technology alone."
The eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2, for which Mario Kart World is a console exclusive, is scheduled to launch on June 5. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $449.99, opened on April 24 and were met with enthusiastic response. For more details, refer to IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
