Nintendo has firmly denied allegations that it used AI-generated images for billboards in Mario Kart World. Speculation arose after a Nintendo Treehouse livestream offered a closer look at the much-anticipated racing game. Observant fans noticed peculiar images on in-game billboards, featuring a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, sparking rumors of AI involvement.
While it's common for pre-release games to feature placeholder graphics that are later replaced, Nintendo clarified to Eurogamer that no AI-generated images were used in the development of Mario Kart World. This statement comes amidst a broader discussion on the use of generative AI in the creative industries, particularly in video game development, where ethical concerns, copyright issues, and potential job displacement are major points of contention.
Last September, Shigeru Miyamoto, a legendary figure in Nintendo's development team, expressed that the company prefers to take a unique path with AI, diverging from industry trends. This stance contrasts with comments from EA CEO Andrew Wilson, who emphasized AI's central role in their business, as detailed further by IGN. Miyamoto elaborated on this approach in an interview with The New York Times, emphasizing Nintendo's commitment to finding what sets them apart.
"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. He further noted, "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 views echo those of Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, who in July acknowledged the potential of generative AI in creative processes but highlighted concerns about intellectual property rights. Furukawa emphasized Nintendo's dedication 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."
As excitement builds for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, for which Mario Kart World will be a console exclusive, pre-orders opened on April 24 at a price of $449.99. The response was overwhelming, as reported by IGN. For those interested, IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide provides comprehensive information.
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