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

Nintendo has firmly rejected claims that it utilized AI-generated images for the creation of billboards in the much-anticipated game, Mario Kart World. The controversy ignited after a Nintendo Treehouse livestream showcased the upcoming racing title, where some observant fans noticed unusual images on in-game advertising boards, including a construction site, a bridge, and an oddly tall car, sparking rumors of AI involvement.

While it's common for pre-release games to feature placeholder graphics that may not make it to the final version, Nintendo was quick to clarify their stance. In a statement to Eurogamer, the company asserted: "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."

The debate around generative AI is heating up across creative industries, particularly within video game development. Concerns have been raised about ethical and copyright issues, as well as the potential for AI to displace jobs. In response, labor unions and video game performers are advocating for greater protections against the use of such technologies.

Last September, Shigeru Miyamoto, a legendary figure at Nintendo, expressed the company's intention to pursue a "different direction" regarding AI compared to other video game industry players. This stance contrasts with that of EA CEO Andrew Wilson, who has positioned AI as central to his company's operations—a perspective IGN later delved into. Miyamoto elaborated on Nintendo's philosophy during an interview with The New York Times, highlighting the company's commitment to carving out a unique path.

“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 further noted the industry's trend towards AI, stating, “When that happens, everyone starts to go in the same direction, but that is where Nintendo would rather go in a different direction."

These sentiments echo earlier comments by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who acknowledged the creative potential of generative AI but cautioned about intellectual property concerns. Furukawa emphasized Nintendo's dedication to leveraging its decades of experience 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."

The eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2, for which Mario Kart World is a console exclusive, is scheduled for release on June 5. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2, which remains priced at $449.99, began on April 24 and were met with overwhelming demand. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.