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

Nintendo has firmly denied allegations that it utilized AI-generated images to design billboards in the eagerly awaited Mario Kart World. Speculation arose after a Nintendo Treehouse livestream offered a closer look at the upcoming game, where sharp-eyed fans noticed peculiar images on some in-game advertising boards, featuring scenes like a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, which sparked discussions about the use of AI.

It's common for pre-release games to feature placeholder graphics that may not make it into the final version. However, Nintendo was quick to clarify to Eurogamer that no AI-generated images were used at any stage in the development of Mario Kart World.

The debate over generative AI is heating up across creative industries, including video game development. Ethical concerns, copyright issues, and fears of job displacement have been raised by labor unions and performers alike, who are advocating for stronger safeguards against AI use.

Last September, Nintendo's legendary developer Shigeru Miyamoto expressed that the company prefers to take a unique path compared to other game developers when it comes to AI. This stance differs significantly from that of EA CEO Andrew Wilson, who views AI as central to their business, as explored further by IGN. Miyamoto emphasized Nintendo's commitment to finding what makes the company special, even if it means going against the grain.

“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 in an interview with The New York Times. He further elaborated, “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."

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa echoed similar sentiments in July, acknowledging the creative potential of generative AI while highlighting concerns about intellectual property rights. “We have decades of know-how in creating the best gaming experiences for our players,” Furukawa stated. “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, set to launch on June 5, Mario Kart World stands as a console exclusive. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 24, maintaining the price at $449.99, and were met with enthusiastic response, as detailed in IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.