Nintendo has firmly denied allegations that it used AI-generated images to create billboards featured in the upcoming game, Mario Kart World. Speculation arose after a Nintendo Treehouse livestream showcased the new racer, where some fans noticed unusual images on in-game advertising boards, including depictions of a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car.
While it's common for pre-release games to include temporary placeholder graphics, Nintendo was quick to clarify in a statement to Eurogamer: "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."
The use of generative AI remains a hot topic across creative industries, particularly within video game development. Beyond ethical and copyright concerns, labor unions are worried about AI's potential to displace jobs, prompting calls from video game performers for enhanced protections against AI use.
Last September, Nintendo's legendary developer Shigeru Miyamoto emphasized the company's unique approach to AI, stating a preference to move in a "different direction" from the broader industry. This stance contrasts with comments from EA CEO Andrew Wilson, who described AI as central to his company's business, as explored in detail by IGN.
In an interview with The New York Times, Miyamoto elaborated on his perspective: "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."
These remarks echo earlier comments by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who acknowledged the potential of generative AI for creative purposes but highlighted concerns regarding 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."
Mario Kart World is set to be a console exclusive for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, which is scheduled to launch on June 5. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 24, maintaining a price point of $449.99. The demand for pre-orders was predictably high, as detailed in IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
