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

Nintendo has firmly rejected allegations that it utilized AI-generated images for billboards in the eagerly anticipated Mario Kart World. Speculation arose following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream which offered an early glimpse into the game. Observant fans noticed peculiar images on in-game billboards, including a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, prompting discussions about the potential use of AI in their creation.

Does this look like AI to you? Image credit: Nintendo.

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

This odd-looking car sparked speculation. Image credit: Nintendo.

The debate over generative AI is currently a hot topic across creative industries, including video game development. Concerns have been raised by labor unions about AI's potential to displace jobs, and video game performers are advocating for stronger protections against its use. In the gaming world, opinions on AI vary widely. For instance, EA CEO Andrew Wilson has highlighted AI as central to their business model, a stance IGN explored in depth.

However, Nintendo has chosen a distinct path. In an interview with The New York Times last September, Shigeru Miyamoto, a legendary figure in Nintendo's development team, emphasized the company's preference for a different approach. "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, "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 comments align with those made by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who acknowledged the creative potential of generative AI but also highlighted its challenges, particularly concerning 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."

The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch on June 5, will feature Mario Kart World as a console exclusive. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2, which remain priced at $449.99, opened on April 24 and were met with the high demand expected for such a release. For those interested, IGN provides a comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.