Nintendo has firmly rejected allegations that it employed AI-generated images for billboards within the highly anticipated Mario Kart World. The controversy ignited after a Nintendo Treehouse livestream showcased the game, where some fans noticed peculiar images on in-game billboards, including a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, sparking speculation about the use of AI.
While it's common for pre-release games to feature 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 debate over generative AI's role in creative industries, including video game development, is intense. Ethical concerns, copyright issues, and the potential impact on jobs have been highlighted by labor unions and video game performers, who are advocating for greater protections against AI use.
Nintendo's approach to AI differs markedly from some of its competitors. In September of last year, Shigeru Miyamoto, a legendary Nintendo developer, emphasized the company's preference for a unique path. While EA CEO Andrew Wilson has positioned AI at "the very core of our business," as IGN explored further, Miyamoto told The New York Times that Nintendo aims to stand out by going in a different direction.
"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 stated. He elaborated on the industry's trend towards AI, saying, "When that happens, everyone starts to go in the same direction, but that is where Nintendo would rather go in a different direction."
These comments follow those made by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who acknowledged that generative AI could be used creatively but also pointed out the associated challenges with intellectual property rights. Furukawa affirmed, "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."
As excitement builds for the Nintendo Switch 2, for which Mario Kart World is a console exclusive, the new console is set 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 the expected high demand. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
