Nintendo has firmly denied allegations that it used AI-generated images to design billboards in the upcoming Mario Kart World. The controversy arose following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that offered an early glimpse into the game. Observant fans noticed unusual images on in-game advertising boards, including a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, which led to speculation about the use of AI in the game's development.
While it's common for pre-release games to feature placeholder graphics, Nintendo was quick to refute the AI claims. In a statement to Eurogamer, the company declared, "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."
The topic of generative AI is currently at the forefront of discussions in the creative industries, especially within video game development. Beyond the ethical and copyright concerns, labor unions have raised alarms about the potential for AI to displace jobs, prompting video game performers to seek greater protections.
Last September, Nintendo's legendary developer Shigeru Miyamoto expressed that the company prefers to take a "different direction" from the broader video game industry regarding AI. This stance contrasts with comments from EA CEO Andrew Wilson, who described AI as "the very core of our business," a point later analyzed in depth by IGN. Miyamoto emphasized Nintendo's unique approach during an interview with The New York Times, stating, “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."
He elaborated, “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 comments align with earlier statements from Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who acknowledged the creative potential of generative AI but also highlighted its challenges concerning intellectual property rights. Furukawa added, "We have decades of know-how in creating the best gaming experiences for our players. 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 began on April 24, maintaining a price of $449.99, and were met with high demand. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
