Nintendo has firmly rejected claims that it used AI-generated images for the billboards featured in the upcoming game, Mario Kart World. Speculation arose following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream where keen observers noted unusual images on in-game advertising boards, such as a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, sparking discussions about their authenticity.
While it's common for pre-release games to include placeholder graphics, Nintendo was quick to dispel any rumors about using AI-generated content. In a statement to Eurogamer, the company clarified: "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."
The use of generative AI is a hot topic across creative industries, particularly within video game development. Beyond ethical and copyright concerns, labor unions are wary of AI's potential to displace jobs, prompting video game performers to seek greater protections against its implementation.
Nintendo's stance on AI was articulated by the legendary developer Shigeru Miyamoto in an interview with The New York Times last September. Miyamoto emphasized Nintendo's desire to chart its own course, distinct from industry trends. He stated, "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 further elaborated on AI, saying, "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."
This approach aligns with comments made by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who acknowledged the creative potential of generative AI but also highlighted the associated intellectual property concerns. Furukawa emphasized Nintendo's commitment to leveraging its decades of expertise 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."
Mario Kart World is set to be a console exclusive for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for release on June 5. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 24, maintaining a price point of $449.99. The demand was predictably high, as detailed in IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
