Nintendo has firmly denied allegations that it utilized AI-generated images for the billboards featured in Mario Kart World. The controversy arose following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that offered a sneak peek into the much-anticipated racing game. Observant fans quickly noticed that certain in-game advertisements, such as those depicting a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, appeared unusual, sparking speculation about their origins.
Does this look like AI to you? Image credit: Nintendo.
While it's common for pre-release games to use placeholder graphics that may not make it into the final version, Nintendo was quick to clarify its stance. In a statement provided to Eurogamer, the company asserted: "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."
This odd-looking car sparked speculation. Image credit: Nintendo.
The use of generative AI remains a hotly debated topic across creative industries, including video game development. Beyond ethical and copyright concerns, labor unions have voiced worries about job displacement due to AI, and video game performers are advocating for stronger protections against its use.
In September of the previous year, Nintendo's renowned developer, Shigeru Miyamoto, expressed that the company prefers to chart a "different direction" regarding AI, diverging from broader industry trends. This stance contrasts with comments from EA's CEO, Andrew Wilson, who described AI as "the very core of our business," a viewpoint IGN later delved into further. Miyamoto elaborated on Nintendo's unique approach in an interview with The New York Times.
"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 explained. He highlighted AI as an example where Nintendo consciously chooses a different path: "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 made by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who acknowledged the creative potential of generative AI while also noting the challenges it poses to intellectual property rights. Furukawa emphasized Nintendo's commitment to leveraging its decades of expertise in delivering unparalleled gaming experiences. "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," he stated.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, for which Mario Kart World will be a console exclusive, pre-orders for the new console opened on April 24 at a price of $449.99. The demand was predictably high, as detailed in IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
