Nintendo Denies AI Use in Mario Kart World Development Amid Billboard Speculation

Nintendo has firmly denied allegations that it employed AI-generated images for billboards within the highly anticipated game, Mario Kart World. Speculation began following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that offered fans an early glimpse of the game. Some viewers noticed unusual images on in-game advertising boards, including a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, which led to suspicions of AI use.

It's common for pre-release games to feature placeholder graphics that are not intended for the final version. However, 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 is intensifying within the creative industries, particularly in video game development. Concerns include ethical dilemmas, copyright issues, and the potential displacement of jobs, prompting labor unions and video game performers to call for greater protections against the use of AI.

In a notable statement last September, Nintendo's legendary developer Shigeru Miyamoto emphasized the company's unique approach to AI. While many in the industry, like EA CEO Andrew Wilson who claimed AI is "the very core of our business" (a topic further explored by IGN), are embracing AI, Miyamoto indicated that Nintendo prefers to chart a different course.

In an interview with The New York Times, Miyamoto elaborated on this philosophy: "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."

This stance aligns with comments made by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who acknowledged that generative AI could be used creatively but also highlighted concerns about intellectual property rights. Furukawa stated, "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 upcoming 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 of $449.99. The response has been as enthusiastic as expected, and for those interested, IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide provides further details.