Nintendo has firmly denied accusations that it utilized AI-generated images for billboards featured in the upcoming game Mario Kart World. The controversy arose following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that offered a detailed look at the game, where fans noticed peculiar images on in-game advertising boards, including a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, sparking speculation about the use of AI in their creation.
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 asserted, "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."
The debate over generative AI is at the forefront of discussions in the creative industries, including video game development, where it raises significant ethical, copyright, and employment concerns. In response to these issues, labor unions and video game performers are advocating for stronger protections against the use of AI in their field.
Nintendo's approach to AI in game development stands in contrast to some of its peers. In an interview with The New York Times, Nintendo's legendary developer Shigeru Miyamoto expressed the company's intent to pursue a unique path, saying, “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 emphasized that while the industry might be rushing towards AI, Nintendo prefers to explore a different direction.
This stance is further supported by comments from Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, who in July acknowledged the potential of generative AI for creative applications but also highlighted the challenges it poses to intellectual property rights. Furukawa reiterated Nintendo's commitment to leveraging its decades of experience 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 much-anticipated 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 point of $449.99. For more information on securing your console, refer to IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
