Nintendo has firmly denied allegations that it employed AI-generated images for billboards in the eagerly awaited Mario Kart World. Speculation arose following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that offered fans a closer look at the upcoming racing game. Observant viewers noted unusual images on in-game advertising boards, depicting a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, which fueled rumors about the use of AI.
While it's common for pre-release games to feature placeholder graphics, Nintendo was quick to clarify that no AI-generated images were used in the development of Mario Kart World. In a statement to Eurogamer, the company emphasized, "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."
The debate over generative AI is heating up across creative industries, particularly in video game development. Beyond ethical and copyright concerns, labor unions are worried about job displacement, and performers are advocating for protections against AI use.
Last September, Nintendo's legendary developer Shigeru Miyamoto expressed that the company prefers to take a unique path regarding AI. This stance contrasts with other industry leaders like EA CEO Andrew Wilson, who has stated that AI is at "the very core of our business," as explored in detail by IGN. Miyamoto's vision for Nintendo was further elaborated in an interview with The New York Times, where he stressed the importance of differentiating Nintendo's approach.
“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," Miyamoto said. He added, “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 echo those of Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa from July, who acknowledged that while generative AI can be creatively utilized, it also poses significant intellectual property challenges. Furukawa emphasized Nintendo's commitment to leveraging its decades of expertise to deliver unique gaming experiences that technology alone cannot replicate.
As anticipation builds, Mario Kart World is set to be a console exclusive for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, slated for release on June 5. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 24, maintaining a price of $449.99, and were met with the expected high demand. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
